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"WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG, BD. 



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THE LIFE AND WORK -■■—■^ll 

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WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG 



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NEW YORK 
AXSOX D. F. RANDOLPH & COMPANY 

900 BROADWAY, COR. 2CTH STREET 



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Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year l c 80. by 

HARPER & BROTHERS, 
In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington 

COPYRIGHT, 1SS4, BY 
A N N E A Y R E S . 



STEREOTYPED BY 

St. Johnland Stereotype Foundry, Suffolk Co., X. Y 



-4 

NOTE TO THE NEW EDITION. 



The favor with which the earlier editions of 
this work were received, excited, almost from 
the first, a demand for an edition in a less costly 
form, such as might put the book within reach 
not only of the multitude to whom the name of 
Muhlenberg is so reverently clear, but of Sunday 
Schools and families generally, among whom, it 
is believed, the record of such a life could not 
be circulated without doing great good. Xot 
until now has it been possible to comply with 
that demand. 

This re-publication contains all the matter given 
in the original volume. There is no abridgement 
of any kind. It is sent forth with the earnest 
desire that it may abundantly fulfil the object 
of its issue. 

THE AUTHOR. 

December, 1883. 



PKEFACE. 



A personal acquaintance with Dr. Muhlenberg, extending 
over more than thirty years, eighteen of which were spent 
under the same roof with him, and in an intercourse as 
close as that of a daughter with a revered father, will 
best account to the reader for the seeming presumption 
of the hand whereby the following memorials of his life 
and work have been gathered together. 

The value and acceptability of the volume is to be found 
in the eminence of him whom it portrays, and in that fidel- 
ity and minuteness of touch in the portraiture naturally 
resulting, where the living subject has been intimately seen 
and studied for half a lifetime. This last was chiefly re- 
lied on in venturing upon so high a task; with the added 
assurance of his own words : " Tou know more of my heart 
and mind on all points, than any other person living. " 

The several sources from which the greater part of the 
work is drawn, become sufficiently apparent in the read- 
ing, but a little further explanation, in this regard, remains 
to be made. During a brief holiday in Europe, with Dr. 
Muhlenberg, in the summer of 1872, the opportunity was 
seized, as he reclined in the intervals of travelling, to take 
down many interesting particulars of those pails of his 
life with which I was not personally familiar, and more 
especially to obtain, in his own words, certain statements 
of principles, and opinions on points of importance, essen- 
tial to the authenticity and completeness of what I had 
taken in hand to do. Such auto-biographical information, 
it should be named, was only given at my earnest solicitation. 



IV PREFACE. 

For valuable data concerning his educational labors, I 
am greatly indebted to the Eev. Dr. Libertus Yan Bok- 
kelen, a former pupil and associate, who generously placed 
at my disposal, a large quantity of material, including per- 
sonal letters and manuscripts. 

But beyond all other assistance afforded me has been 
that derived from Dr. Muhlenberg's own private papers, 
journals, and letters. These were given to my sole and 
unreserved perusal, accompanied by directions that, within 
a certain period, all were to be destroyed. A modification 
of this command was afterwards secured as to sermons 
and other addresses. There was no permission to publish 
either journals or letters, but the contrary. Wherein this 
understood restriction has been encroached upon, the spirit 
of my friend and father will pardon the deviation, for the 
sake of the motive prompting it. 

The book has been written amid the care and pressure 
of much other responsible work. More leisure and free- 
dom for the purpose might have enriched its pages, and 
possibly have excluded some defects. It is believed, how- 
ever, that nothing of moment has been omitted, and the 
faults of an unpractised authorshijD, it is trusted, will be 
overlooked in the conscientiousness of the history and the 
intrinsic interest of its subject. 

A. A. 

St. Johnland, L. I. 



OOI^TE^TS 



CHAPTEE I. 

ANCESTRY. 

PAG4S. 

The Muhlenberg Family. — The Patriarch Muhlenberg. — General Muhl- 
enberg's Last Sermon. — The Marriage of William Augustus Muhlen- 
berg's Father and Mother in Connection with the Jay Treaty. — 
Conrad Weiser. — Question as to Whom he Married. ...... I 

CHAPTER II. 

1796-1811. 

Birth and Childhood. — Early Religious Sentiment. — Death of his Fa- 
ther. — Preference for the Episcopal Church in his ninth Year. — A 
Quaker School-master. — The Academy. — Exemplary Boyhood. — 
Inventive Faculty. — St. James's Church. — Disappointment at the 
Consecration. — Innate Ecclesiastical ^Estheticism. — Boy Journals. — 
Grammar School of the University, Pa 10 

CHAPTER III. 

1811-1815. 

College Life. — A True Friend. — Youthful Sports. — Confirmation. — Re- 
tiring yet Courageous. — The Juniors and the Provost. — Studies. — 
Church Observances. — Philomathean Society. — College Classmates. 
— Life -long Friends. — An Impenitent Boy Friend. — Public Affairs. 
— Closing Events of War of 18 12. — A Day of Military Service. — 
The Treaty of Ghent. — Peace joyfully Welcomed. — Graduated with 
Honors 20 

CHAPTER IV. 
1815-1820. 

Study of Theology. — Interview with Bishop Wliite. — The Theological 
Seminary Question. — Earnest Preparation. — First Communion. — 
Self-searching Questions at Close of Year. — Reforming the Organ 



vi CONTENTS. 

PAGE. 

Loft. — Office of Clerk abolished. — Removal to Arch St. — A Prayer 
in Every Room. — Founded a Church in Huntingdon Co. — Proposed 
Visit to Europe abandoned. — Ordained Deacon. — Bishop White's 
Assistant. — Extreme Diffidence at Beginning of Ministry. — Bishop 
White's Meekness. — ■ Anecdotes. — The Sunday Schools. — Church 
Music. — An Auxiliary Bible Society. — Visiting among the Poor. — 
Ordained Priest. — Accepts a Call to St. James's, Lancaster. — Letter 
from Bishop White 38 

CHAPTER V. 

1 820-1 824. 

Religion and Learning in Lancaster. — Apathy of the People. — Mr. Muhl- 
enberg's Activity. — Forms a Sunday School. — Interest in Public Edu- 
cation. — Obtains Passage of Bill through Legislature. — Large School- 
house erected. — Personal Devotion to this School. — Improves the 
Monitorial System. — Other efforts for Enlightenment of the Town. — ■ 
The Special General Convention, 182 1. — Plea for Christian Hymns. 
— Effort in another Direction. — Church Poetry. — Hymn Committee 
appointed at General Convention, 1823. — Mr. Muhlenberg a Mem- 
ber. — Faithful Pastoral Labors. — Extracts from Parish Notes. . . 58 

CHAPTER VI. 

1824- 1826. 

Joy and sorrow. — Resoluteness. — An Occurrence several Years latei. 
— The Roman Catholic Preacher. — Sentiments regarding Celibacy. 
— His Journals and Prayers. — "I would not live alway.'' — History 
of the Hymn. — His Dissatisfaction with it. — A Fable Apologetic. — 
Power of Looking at himself Objectively. — Attempted Emendation 
of the Hymn. — Another in 1876. — Original Version in full. — Why 
he wrote these several Versions. — Unexpected Popularity of the 
Piece. — The Attention it drew. — Burdensome Honors. — A Contem- 
poraneous Effusion. — Might have been a Poet. — Byron and Moore. 
— Conscious of kindred Power. — A Poet of a higher Kind. — Musi- 
cal Gift. — A rare double Endowment. — Education prospectively 
his Vocation. — Resigns Charge at Lancaster. — Passage from his 
Farewell Sermon 6$ 



CONTENTS. Vii 

CHAPTER VII. 

1826-1828. 

PAGB 

Christian Schools Essential to the Commonwealth. — Originatcr of their 
Type. — Eventful Sunday at Flushing. — His Hymns of this date. — 
The Hymn Committee. — Association with Dr. H. U. Onderdonk. — 
Convention of 1826. — The Hymns passed. — Absence of Party Feel- 
ing. — A Dinner-Table Talk. — Taken at his Word. — The Flushing 
Institute. — Exhilarating Effect of a New Project. — Life - Long Fer- 
tility in Plans of Beneficence. — Searching the Ground of his Under- 
taking. — Opposition of Family. — His Mother's Fears. — A Portrai- 
ture. — The Reward he sought. — Visits Lancaster. — Dr. H. U. 
Onderdonk chosen for Assistant Bishop of Pennsylvania, —Carries 
the Tidings to the Bishop Elect 79 

CHAPTER VIII. 

1828-1835. 

Flushing Institute in Operation. — Intensity of Religious Conviction. — An 
Apostle to Youth. — Characteristic Incident. — Theory of the School. 
— Its Government. — Secretary Forsyth and the Fourth of July. — 
Not Emulation but Christian Endeavor. — System of Marks. — An 
Evening in the Institute. — The Church Year. — His Assistants. — Pri- 
vate Interviews with Boys. — Unceasing Efforts for their Salvation. 
■ — Little Prayers for Little Things. — " Tabella Sacra." — The Rec- 
tor's Rules for himself. — The Little Charity Box. — Cold Water 
Treatment of a Trick 97 

CHAPTER IX. 

1835-1839- 

Preparations for St. Paul's College. — Repute as an Educator. — Reply 
to Bishop Doane's Proposal. — Purchase of a Farm near Flushing. — ■ 
Success of the Institute. — Ten Thousand Dollars of Debt. — His 
Mother's Aid. — No Thought of Surrender. — Ultimately met his Ex- 
penses. — Scenery of College Point. — Laying a Corner-stone that Re- 
ceived no Super-structure. — Enduring Work of St. Paul's College. — 
Why the Permanent College Edifice was not built. — A noble Princi- 
ple of Action. — Plans for a Sojourn in Europe. — His Brother's unex- 
pected Death.— -Characteristics of Dr. Frederick A. Muhlenberg. — 
Grief and Tenderness of Survivor. — Turns to Work again. — Tem- 
porary Buildings erected. — St. Paul's College begun. — Principles 
and Discipline of the Same. — The Rector's Increase of Care. — 
Divine Support. — Tenor of Daily Intercourse with Students. — Tact 
in Dealing with them. — Skilful Moral Probing 1 17 



viii CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER X. 

1839-1843. 

PAGB 

Exclusion of Emulation as an Incentive. — How it worked. — No Tol- 
erance of Inferior Scholarship. — Examination of 1839. — Instructors 
educated in Institution. — The Faculty. — Dimensions of Buildings. — 
Other Statistics. — Dr. Muhlenberg's Proprietorship. — Physical Cul- 
ture of Students. — Boating. — A Summer Evening Scene. — Impres- 
siveness of the Place. — Noon-tide Chapel Service. — Religious Efforts 
beyond the College. — Chapel Services on the Great Festivals. — 
^Esthetic not Ritualistic. — Music and Song. — The Wreath -makers' 
Ballad. — Ode for the Ashburton Dinner. — Unresting Originating 
Power. — Numerous Educational Plans. — An .Order of Christian 
Teachers for the Church. — Cadets' Hall. — Prose Compositions. — • 
A Birthday in Retirement. — Spiritual Exercises. — His Christian 
Watchfulness 139 

CHAPTER XL 

1 843- 1 844. 

Fifteen Years of unbroken Service. — Onerous Labors. — A Holiday. — 
Tractarianism. — Its Impression on him. — Notes from Journals. — 
Voyage to Europe. — Arnold Buffam. — Sight-seeing. — A Breakfast at 
Oriel. — John Henry Newman. — Dr. Pusey. — Ravished with Oxford. 
— In Paris. — The Wesleyan Chapel. — The Saintly Professor. — Prep- 
arations for Return. — A Sincere Prayer answered. — His Ecclesias- 
tical Position 159 

. CHAPTER XII. 

1 844- 1 846. 

Forgetting the Things behind. — New Subject for Creative Talent. — 
Contemplates Relinquishment of College. — What he had Accom- 
plished for Christian Education. — The Church of the Holy Com- 
munion. — Why not St. Sacrament ? — Peculiar Constitution of Parish. 
— Architecture of the Church. — Its Interior. — Evangelical Catholic 
Symbolism. — Church opened for Divine Worship. — Consecration by 
Bishop Ives. — Last Labors for St. Paul's College. — Its End. — Suc- 
cess of his Educational Work. — Reminiscences of Scholars — Bishop 
Bedell's Tribute. — Anecdote. — Church Sisterhoods. — A Bow drawn 
at a Venture. — The First Sister. — Answer to a Young Man asking 
his Friendship. — "Our Souls must work together." 175 



CONTENTS. VS. 

CHAPTER XIII. 

I 846- I 849. 

PAGB 

Began Pastorate in New York. — An Educator still. — His Works linked 
together. — The Locality. — A Congregation formed. — An exceptional 
free Church. — Its Attractiveness. — Dr. Muhlenberg as a Preacher. — 
Pentecostal Days. — Festival and Fast. — Care for poorer Members. — 
A Christian House-warming. — The Pastor's Cloak. — First Idea of 
St. Luke's Hospital. — Thirty Dollars. — Dearth of Hospital Accommo- 
dation. — How to begin a Work of Charity. — No Charitable Organi- 
zations in the City. — Dr. Muhlenberg's Influence on Inner Life of the 
Church. — Opposite Elements.' — Leaf from Journal. — What three 
Years accomplished. — Origin of Fresh Air Benefit. — First Christ- 
mas-tree for the Poor. — Church Seats. — Epigram on Pew Auction. — 
Origin of Pews. — Bishop Burnet and the Court Ladies 193 

CHAPTEK XIV. 

1 849-1 85 1. 

Impetus given to Hospital Project. — A Day in the Annals of the Church. 
— Public Plea for a Church Hospital. — St. Luke's Incorporated. — A 
Hundred Thousand Dollars asked. — Large Subscriptions. — Robert 
B. Minturn and the Anonymous Five Thousand. — First Idea as to 
Names of Donors. — Review of Cholera Summer. — Death of Choir 
Boy. — Labors during Epidemic. — Visiting Cholera Hospital. — An- 
other Chorister taken. — Music of the Church of the Holy Communion. 
— Boy Choirs. — Mode of Supporting a Free Church. — The Weekly 
Eucharist and Daily Service. — A Missionary Meeting. — Rubrics not 
Choke-Strings of the Heart. — The Friday Evening Lecture. — The 
Sacramental System. — Bishop Ives's Submission to Rome. — Would 
like to wear coarser Clothes. — Devoted filial Love. — His Moth- 
er's last Illness and Death. — The Funeral. — Tender Sentiment. . 214 

CHAPTEK XV. 

1851-1852. 

Projects an Evangelical Catholic Periodical. — Deference to his Mother's 
Wishes. — Object of the Paper. — What is Evangelical Catholicism ? — 
General Surprise on Issue of "Evangelical Catholic." — Longings for 
Christian Unity. — Hints on Catholic Union. — Minor Use of Period- 
ical. — Sisterhood of Holy Communion organized. — Its Principles. — 
St-. Luke's Hospital. — A Young Physician's first Fee. — Significant 



X CONTENTS. 

PAGB 

Bequest. — Negotiations of Corporation of St. Luke's with Church of 
St. George the Martyr. — Site consecrated before determined upon. — 
Urgent Demands for Hospital Shelter. — The Embryo St. Luke's in a 
Rear Tenement House 235 

CHAPTER XVI. 

1853-1855- 

Memorial to the House of Bishops. — Papers on the Memorial. — A Proper 
Radicalism. — Dr. Harwood on Origin of Memorial. — Reminiscences 
by Dr. E. A. Washburn. — Not daunted by Unsuccess. — Ceaseless 
Efforts for Unity. — A Favor to the Sisterhood. — Infirmary of Church 
of the Holy Communion. — Happy Service. — Quarantined. — The Pas- 
tor's Visits. — Ideal of a Sister of Charity. — Corner-Stone of St. Luke's 
Hospital laid. — Location. — General Plan of Building. — A Street In- 
cident. — Bearing Injuries 260 

CHAPTER XVII. 

1855-1856. 

A Summer in Europe. — St. Bartholomew's Hospital. — St. Barnabas, 
Pimlico. — An Hour with Maurice. — Working Men's Bible Class. — A 
quiet old Town. — Ely Cathedral. — The House of Peers. — The Lords 
Spiritual. — Home Thoughts. — Switzerland. — The Silber Horn. — A 
Sunday at Strasburg. — The Lord's Day in Paris. — Refined Godless- 
ness. — Hiibner's Painting. — Delight in his Christmas Gift. — A Re- 
union. — His Sixtieth Birthday 281 

CHAPTER XVIII. 
1856-1859. 

Individuality of St. Luke's Hospital. — Fundamental Idea. — Impressive- 
ness of Building. — Pleasure Grounds for Patients. — Plan of Interior. 
— Another Hundred Thousand Dollars. — Chapel opened for Wor- 
ship. — A Hospital Church. — The Furnishing Committee. — A double 
good Work. — Prejudice disarmed. — Work begun in St. Luke's. — 
Solitariness of Building. — The first Workers. — The Hospital a Fam- 
ily. — Ways and Means. — Faith the best Endowment. — Harm of a 
Million of Dollars. — Arrangement with Board of Managers. — A wel- 
come Handsel. Costly and beautiful Gifts. — First Annual Report. 
— The Hospital Associations 298 



CONTENTS. XI 

CHAPTER XIX. 

1859-1860. 

PAGB 

.Takes up his Abode in St. Luke's. — A lofty Prophet's Chamber. — Ear- 
ly Rising. — Elasticity and Strength. — Sixty-three Years old. — Sacra 
Privata. — St. Luke's a Monument. — Pertinent Words. — The Meth- 
odist's Prayer. — Evangelical Catholicity. — Bedside Ministrations. — 
Three Sketches by his own Pen. — Religious Services. — Use of the 
Prayer Book. — Household Evening Worship. — Turning passing 
Events to Account. — Visitors. — Impression on Different Minds. — 
Sunshine 314 

CHAPTER XX. 

1860-1863. 

An Episode. — Abhorrence of Slavery. — Fugitive Slave Law. — Free Soil 
Question. — Republican Battle Hymn. — Votes for Mr. Lincoln. — Tri- 
umph. — Bombardment of Fort Sumter. — Shock felt in St. Luke's. — 
Response to Call for Volunteers. — Resident Physician and Surgeon 
enlisted. — Other Enlistments from Hospital. — Interest in his Soldier 
Boys.- — National Hymn and Choral March. — A Christmas Morning 
Address. — A Hundred Thousand Men to be drafted. — Riots. — Col- 
ored Orphan Asylum burned. — St. Luke's threatened. — Two Days 
of Peril. — Dr. Muhlenberg and the Rioters. — The Vigilance Com- 
mittee. — President's Proclamation for a General Thanksgiving. — 
The President's Hymn 333 

CHAPTER XXL 

1865-1866. 

Benevolent Activities during War. — The selfish Landlord. — Central 
Park Splendor. — An unrepining Spirit. — Evening Hours. — Soldier 
Patients. — Favoring the Poorest. — A Riddle. — Keeping Lent. — Ef- 
forts for general Observance of Good Friday. — Co-operation of Min- 
isters of Various Denominations. — Sermon in Dr. Adams's Church. 
— Bishop Potter's Pastoral. — Letters to a Friend. — Dr. SchafFs Ser- 
vice in Church of the Holy Communion. — Restoration of Church of 
Augustus. — Growth of exclusive Sentiment. — Death of Dr. Cruse*. 
—A Pair of Saints. — Anecdotes. — An Olive Branch. — Act of Gen- 
eral Convention of 1865 353 



xii CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER XXII. 

1865-1866. 

PAGB 

Keeps up with the Christian Thought of the Day. — Literary Ability. — 
"Christ and the Bible." — "The Woman and her Accusers." — Ten 
Years without Verse-making. — Later Compositions in Music and Po- 
etry. — Talent for Improvising. — Muhlenbergianse. — Satire and Mim- 
icry. — Old Quin. — Tact in Reproving. — " Deliver us from Evil." — 
Permission to go to the Theatre. — Ingenious Argument. — The Re- 
quiem Mass. — Fluctuations of Temper. — Portrait by Huntingdon. — 
Mr. Minturn's Death. — "The Poor Man's Friend and Mine." — Mr. 
Minturn's Distinguishing Traits. — Anecdote by Bishop Potter. — A 
Short Funeral Sermon. — The Hospital Burial Plot 380 

CHAPTER XXIII. 

1866-1869. 

St. Johnland Begun. — The Benjamin of his Works. — The "Retro-pro- 
spectus." — Christian Fatalism. — Purchase of Farm. — Asks ten more 
Years. — A valued Birthday Gift. — His Golden Wedding. — Letter 
Congratulatory and Retrospective. — Funds for St. Johnland. — Tact 
and Principle in Money Matters. — The Spencer and Wolfe Home. 
■ — Three Thousand a Year. — St. Johnland's Gaudy Day. — "Glo- 
rious Birthday." — " Brotherly Words." — Foundation of St. John's 
Inn. — The Boys' House. — Church of the Testimony of Jesus. — Mu- 
nificent Friends. — Laying Corner-stone of Church. — Declaration of 
Evangelical Catholic Principles. — Verses 398 

CHAPTER XXIV. 

1869-1872. 

Incorporation of St. Johnland. — Diversified Objects of the Society. — Ca- 
pabilities of the Place. — Not ready for Cottages at first. — Family 
Life fostered in another Form. — St. Johnland Children. — Evangeli- 
cal Brotherhood. — Church Services. — " Directory for the Use of the 
Book of Common Prayer." — Illustration from Supplement. — Dedi- 
cation of the Church. — St. John's Inn has its House-warming. — A 
Cottage Tenantry. — Who and What they are to be. — Mistakes Cor- 
rected. — Educational as to Family Life. — The Great St. Johmand 
Text. — iVn Original Charity. — Transfer of Property to Trustees. — 
Mr. John D. Wolfe's Benefactions. — Anecdotes. — Influence of Dr. 
Muhlenberg in enlarged Gifts of Benevolence 424 



CONTENTS. XlU 

CHAPTER XXV. 

1872-1873. 

PAGH 

A summer Holiday. — The Peasantry of Europe and St. Johnland. — 
London. — Essay on Potentiality of the English Bishops. A Birth- 
day abroad. — Home. — A Sea-Song. — The Bells of St. Thomas's 
Church. — Unimpaired Sensibility and Sportiveness. — Characteristics 
of early Manhood unchanged. — Extract from Letter. — The freshest 
of the Party . 444 

CHAPTER XXVI. 

1873-1874. 

One more Effort for Unity. — Address before Evangelical Alliance. — 
Representative United Communion. — Hedging in the Lord's Table. 
— Anticipation. — " Veni Creator." — The Dean of Canterbury, Bishop 
Cummins, and the Archbishop's Chaplain commune in Presbyterian 
Churches. — A Word going to the Root of the Matter. — Liberality of 
the Episcopal Church as to Communion. — An Evangelical Catholic 
Union. — Bishop Cummins's Secession deplored. — A published Dis- 
approval. — Reformed Episcopal Church. — Not an earnest Religious 
Movement. — Illness. — Mental Depression. — Spiritual Communion. — 
A last Writing in Journal 454 

CHAPTER XXVII. 

1874-1876. 

Gradual Convalescence. — Never resumed his Pen. — Gleanings from his 
Friend's Diary. — "Is it not legitimate? " — Visions of St. Johnland. 
— People asking his Blessing. — Shrinking from Compliment. — Fear 
of human Praise. — What People asked of him — Esteeming others 
better than himself. — "Christ is all." — A Conscience void of Of- 
fence. — Last Use of his private Journals. — A Visit to the General 
Convention. — Improved Health. — Could Enjoy a Trip to Europe. — 
Counts his Residence in St. Luke's a Favor. — Never such another 
Christian within those Walls. — Delight in small Services for the 
Poor. — "Don't be too sharp in finding them out." — Notably Vic- 
timized. — Nothing more to take care of. 465 

CHAPTER XXVIII. 

1876-1877. 

Seldom at St. Johnland. — Delight in sheltering Children there. — Dr. 
Adams's Lunch Party. — Another "I would not live alway." — Four- 
score not Labor and Sorrow. — The Youth of the Ansrels. — The right 



xiv CONTENTS. 

PAGE 

Side of Seventy. — Does not expect to lie down in the Dust. — The 
Festival of the Ascension. — Happy Gathering at St. Johnland. — 
The Chapel Service. — The Founder's Well. — Muhlenberg Endow- 
ment. — Eightieth Birthday. — "Let me die in my Nest." . . . .478 

CHAPTER XXIX. 

1876-1877. 

The Shadows lengthen. — Joy and Peace. — Effect of Birthday Tribute. — 
Public Esteem. — "From Tweed to Dr. Muhlenberg." — His Latest 
Labors. — Last Visit to his Sister. — Washington's Birthday. — Sudden 
Illness. — Six Weeks of Trial. — Died as he had lived. — Simplicity 
of Burial. — The Arrival at St. Johnland. — Impression on Bishop 
Kerfoot. — A noble Pageant. — His Grave-stone. — The Contributors. 
— St. Johnland Cemetery 489 

CHAPTER XXX. 

CONCLUSION. 

Effect upon Community of his Death.— Multitude of Tributes. — Extracts 
from the more important. — The Bishop of Long Island and others. 
— An Ode "I11 Memoriam." I . 514 



THE LIFE 

OF 

WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 



CHAPTER I. 

ANCESTRY. 

The Muhlenberg Family. — The Patriarch Muhlenberg. — General Muhlen- 
berg's Last Sermon. — The Marriage of William Augustus Muhlenberg's 
Father and Mother in Connection with the Jay Treaty. — Conrad 
Weiser. — Question as to Whom he Married. 

The Muhlenbergs are associated with the earliest 
days of the republic as a highly respected and hon- 
orable family. Men eminent for piety and learning, 
for patriotism and public usefulness, grace their annals. 
The parent stock was Saxon, probably of the historic 
town of Muhlberg, on the Elbe, but in the course of 
events, they removed to Eimbeck, in Hanover, then 
one of the free cities of Germany, and here, in 1711, 
was born the founder of the American branch of the 
name, "the blessed and venerable Henry Melchior 
Muhlenberg," as he is styled in his epitaph at The 
Trappe, Montgomery Co., Pa., the burial-place of the 
Muhlenberg families. 

This great and good man, owing to the early death 
of his father and other reverses, had a hard struggle 



2 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

in obtaining the education which ultimately adorned 
his piety and talents. He passed some time in the 
orphanage of Francke, at Halle, and was twenty-four 
years old when he entered upon a collegiate course 
at Gottingen. After his graduation there he returned 
to Halle, where he was ordained to the ministry of 
the Lutheran Church. 

During his residence in the universities of Gottin- 
gen and Halle, he formed the acquaintance of learned 
and noble persons who became his warm friends and 
patrons. In the Heister branch of the Muhlenberg 
family there is preserved as an heirloom an ancient 
silver-mounted snuff-box which was given to him, as 
a token of friendship, by Frederick the Great. Chief 
in his regard was his early benefactor, the eminent 
Christian philanthropist and scholar, Augustus Herman 
Francke, in connection with whose mission house, in 
1742, he accepted an appointment as missionary to 
the German and Swedish Lutherans in the then British 
Provinces of America. He had supposed himself des- 
tined to a mission in the East Indies, and was making 
ready to go to Bengal, when a seemingly fortuitous 
circumstance made it plain that Providence had or- 
dered it otherwise, It was reserved for him to be 
the founder and Patriarch of the Lutheran Church in 
this land, and to transmit, through his eminent great- 
grandson, a more extended blessing. 

He was a man of many gifts and of apostolic zeal. 
With wonderful endurance, he traversed the country 
from Georgia to the borders of Canada, • building 



THE PATRIARCH'S LABORS, 3 

churches an.1 schools, preaching and teaching in dif- 
ferent languages, and so comforting the scattered fam- 
ilies of his people that they called him everywhere 
"Father Muhlenberg," by which endearing epithet he 
is still designated among Lutherans. His first church, 
built in the first year of his mission, at the village of 
Trappe, Pa., he named "The Church of Augustus," after 
his friend Fran eke, and he also added "Augustus" to 
the "Frederick" of his second son's name, whence it has 
descended to numerous individuals of the Muhlenberg 
race, and among them to the subject of these memoirs. 
The latter gratefully remembered to the end of his long 
life the far-back kindness of Francke to the h^ad of his 
family, and sometimes when, in his abounding sym- 
pathy for some forlorn youth, he thought he might 
seem to be doing too much, he w^ould say, half apolo- 
gizingly, "You know my great-grandfather was a poor 
orphan boy at Halle." 

The Patriarch Muhlenberg had three sons: John 
Peter Gabriel, Frederick Augustus, and Henry Ernst, 
all of whom he designed for the ministry. He sent 
them to Halle to be educated for this purpose; but 
the young men returned to America, just as the long 
smouldering fires of the Ee volution were ready to" break 
out in war, and patriotic and high-spirited, the field 
and the council had more attraction for them than the 
pulpit. Henry, the youngest, alone fulfilled his father's 
intentions. He passed his days as a pious and devoted 
Lutheran pastor, adding to his spiritual cure a close 
study of the natural sciences, in which he obtained 



4 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

eminence, particularly that of botany. During an en- 
forced absence from his church, through stress of war, 
he contributed some valuable works to this department. 

Peter, the eldest son, took orders, very curiously, 
both in the Lutheran and the English Church. He 
had for his parochial charge the so-called " Valley 
Churches" of the Blue Eidge, Ya., — a hardy, indepen- 
dent flock, with whose spirit of resistance to Great 
Britain he keenly sympathized. He instructed his 
people openly in their civil rights, and accepted the 
colonelcy of a regiment, while yet their pastor. At 
length, probably through the influence of General 
WashingTon and Patrick Henry, with both of whom 
he had a personal acquaintance, he finally abandoned 
the sacred ministry for a military career. 

" His congregations, widely scattered along the fron- 
tier, were notified that, upon the following Sabbath, 
their beloved pastor would preach his farewell ser- 
mon The appointed day came. The rude 

country church was filled to overflowing with the 

hardy mountaineers of the frontier counties 

So great was the assemblage that the quiet burial-place 
was filled with crowds of stern men who had gathered 
together believing that something, they knew not what, 
would be done in behalf of their suffering country. 

He came and ascended the pulpit, his tall 

form arrayed in full uniform, over which his gown, the 
symbol of his holy office, was thrown. He was a plain, 
straightforward speaker, whose native eloquence was 
well suited to the people among whom he labored 



GENERAL MUHLENBERG. 5 

After recapitulating, in words that roused 

the coldest, the stoiy of their wrongs, and telling* them 
of the sacred character of the struggle in which he had 
unsheathed his sword, and for which he was leaving 
the altar he had vowed to serve, he said, that, in the 
language of .Holy Writ, there was 'a time for all 
things,' a time to preach and a time to pray, but those 
times had passed away, and, in a voice that echoed 
through the church like a trumpet blast, 'that there 
was a time to fight, and that time had come.' . . . 
A breathless stillness brooded over the congregation. 
Deliberately putting off the gown, he stood before them 
a girded warrior, and descending from the pulpit, he 
ordered the drums at the church door to beat for re- 
cruits His audience, excited in the highest 

degree by the impassioned words which had fallen 
from his lips, flocked around him, eager to be ranked 
among his followers. Old men were seen bringing 
forward their children, wives their husbands, and 
widow.ed mothers their sons, sending them under his 
paternal care to fight the battles of their country. 

Nearly three hundred men of the frontier 

churches that day enlisted under his banner, and the 
gown then thrown off, was worn for the last time."* 
He rose to the rank of Major-General, and holds 
an honored place among the patriot heroes of the 
Revolution. 

His brother Frederick Augustus, the Patriarch's sec- 

* "Life of General Muhlenberg." 



6 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

ond son, served his country as a statesman. He was 
successively Treasurer of the State, President of the 
Convention which ratified the Constitution of the 
Unitod States, member of Congress, and First Speaker 
of the House of Representatives under Washington's 
administration.* 

In the year 1795, while Frederick A. Muhlenberg 
filled the Speaker's chair for the second time, his eldest 
son, Henry William, married Mary, daughter of Mr. 
William Sheafe, a merchant of Philadelphia of German 
extraction, and William Augustus Muhlenberg was the 
eldest child of this union. 

Henry W. Muhlenberg was paying his addresses to 
Miss Mary Sheafe at the time that the nation became so 
frenzied in the fierce agitation which followed the rati- 
fication of the " Jay Treaty." The House of Represent- 
atives was composed largely of the opponents of the 
treaty, and it was for a long time doubtful if the bills 
for the indemnification of Great Britain, which made 
part of it, would be passed. Mr. Sheafe, a strong fed- 
eralist, anticipating that the vote would be a very 
close one, perhaps a tie, when the casting vote of the 
Speaker would be all-important, is reported to have said 
to Frederick A. Muhlenberg, "If you do not give us 
(the federalists) your vote, your Henry shall not have 
my Polly." It was ascertained that the leaning of the 
Speaker was in the right direction, and Henry and 
Polly were married accordingly. The bills subsequently 

* Blake. 



CONRAD WEISER. 7 

passed by a bare majority. William Augustus Muhl- 
enberg was fond of telling tins little story as showing 
how nearly he might not have been what he was (so 
high did party feeling run), usually adding, " But the 
vote went the right way, peace was secured, and here 
I am." 

Both families, from the period of their settlement in 
the country, having married within their own nation- 
ality, he was of purely German descent, unless we ac- 
cept a tradition, cherished by himself, of a strain of the 
aboriginal American, through the union of a remote 
ancestor, Conrad Weiser, with an Indian maiden. He 
used to say, "I like to think there is a drop of genuine 
American blood in my veins." Upon this obscure ques- 
tion there is much difference of opinion in the Weiser 
family.* Conrad "Weiser 1 s fragmentary yet eventful his- 
tory affords warrant for inferring that there was such a 
marriage ; a confirmation of which is further suggested 
by the physiognomy of some of the descendants, and 
■ among these, of that of William Augustus Muhlenberg, 
whose lineaments clearly indicated a not unmixed Teu- 
tonic origin. 

Conrad Weiser figures prominently in our provincial 
history. He was born in 1696, in Astael, or Afstaefdt, 
in the electorate or duchy of Wurtemberg. In 1709 he 
emigrated with his father and others of the family 

* Dr. G. L. Weiser of Pennsburg, Pa., in a recent biography, re- 
jects the tradition, until actual "record" be adduced. On the other 
hand, Mr. Thos. B. A. Weiser of Brooklyn, N. Y., a grandson of 
Conrad Weiser' s youngest son Benjamin, entirely accepts it. 



8 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

to Isew York. At seventeen, a friendly chief inviting 
him, he was sent to live for a while with the Maquas or 
" Six Nations " Indians, for the purpose of learning their 
language and modes of life, and returning thence he 
acted for some years as a volunteer interpreter between 
his own people and the native tribes of the neighbor- 
hood He became in due time the pioneer of the Ger- 
mans in the settlement of Central Pennsylvania, and 
for thirty years served as Indian agent and interpreter 
for the colonial government of Philadelphia. His rec- 
ord is that of a man of great probity and piety, and of 
untiring industry in the service of his adopted country. 
In addition to his arduous official duties, he labored 
zealously for the conversion of the Indians to Chris- 
tianity, associating himself, for this purpose, with such 
men as Spangenberg, Ziesberger, and Count Zinzen- 
dorf. To qualify some Moravian brethren to preach the 
gospel to the Maqua and Iroquois tribes, he instructed 
them himself in the native tongues. Under all these 
circumstances, and taking into account an ardent and 
enthusiastic nature and the primitive manners of those 
days, it would be nothing incredible that he should 
choose an Indian convert for his bride. The mention 
that he makes of his marriage in a brief autobiography, 
which has been preserved, justifies the assumption that 
he did so, thus: "In 1720, while my father was in Eng- 
land, I married my Anna Eve, and was given her in 
marriage, by the Rev. John Frederick Heger, reformed 
clergyman, on the 22nd of November, in my father's 
house in Schochary.' : The omission here and through- 



ANNA EVE. 9 

out the biography of any patronymic in speaking of 
his wife, while he gives that of his mother; the cele- 
bration of the marriage, contrary to German usage, in 
the house of the bridegroom's father ; and the Christian 
name of the bride, — all point to the verification of the 
tradition. " Anna " as the name of his godly mother 
whom he piously revered, and "Eve" as that of the 
primeval woman, would in the poetic German mind be 
a very natural baptismal name for one who, so to speak, 
was to be the progenitress of a new race. Bat, per- 
haps, there is room for a different and less romantic 
theory. 

Anna Maria, the eldest surviving daughter of Conrad 
Weiser and his "Anna Eve," became the wife of Henry 
Melchior Muhlenberg, and was thus William Augustus 
Muhlenberg's great-grandmother, on the father's side. 



CHAPTER II. 

1796-1811. 

Birth and Childhood. — Early Religious Sentiment. — Death of his Father. 
— Preference for the Episcopal Church in his ninth Year. — A Quaker 
School-master. — The Academy. — Exemplary Boyhood. — Inventive Fac- 
ulty. — St. James's Church. — Disappointment at the Consecration. — In- 
nate Ecclesiastical ^Estheticism. — Boy Journals. — Grammar School of 
the University, Pa. 

William Augustus Muhlenberg was born in Phila- 
delphia on the 16th of September, 1796, in a house 
which then stood on the corner of Third and Cherry 
Streets, but has since been pulled down. He was 
baptized, by the Bev. Dr. Helmuth of the Lutheran 
Church. 

With the first dawn of reason he seems to have 
known the fear and love of God. Questioned upon 
this point, he replied: "I think I can say, there never 
was a time, that I was unmindful of the presence of 
God, or without reverence for divine things, and I 
always looked forward to being a clergyman. When 
not more than eight years old, I remember I used to 
have church on Sunday evenings, going through a 
kind of preaching, at which the family would attend, 
to encourage me with their presence. I recollect very 
well that when I didn't behave myself, they would 
say to me, 'William, that will not do for a minister.'" 



THE LITTLE PREACHER. 11 

The youthful sermons here alluded to were much 
thought of by his relatives, but no notes of any of 
them have been kept. They were not childish gib- 
berish or " make-believe" church, but as serious an ex- 
planation and application of a text as the. thoughtful 
little preacher knew how to give. At the same time, 
child-like, he would always have a crimson shawl 
placed over a piece of furniture for a pulpit, and never 
forgot to take up a collection, the man-servant being 
usually present with a plate for the purpose. 

One life-long peculiarity, familiar to those w r ho knew 
him thoroughly, manifested itself at a very tender age. 
It did not matter how well he succeeded in w 7 hat he 
took in hand to do, or how much approbation might 
be bestowed upon his w r ork, he would invariably point 
out wherein it might have b^en more perfect, never 
reaching his own ideal. His father, whom he lost 
when scarce nine years old, is remembered as in the 
habit of remarking to his mother, "What a pity Wil- 
liam always makes us see how much better he might 
have done that which pleased us so well ! " One mar- 
vels what were those performances of a boy of seven 
or eight years, which drew forth such comment, 

William retained a vivid impression of the last hours 
spent with his father. Mr. Muhlenberg died suddenly 
of apoplexy, and the evening preceding the attack he 
drove his young son in a chaise from Philadelphia 
to their country-house at Xorristown. The boy never 
saw his father alive again, and to the last of his days 
always associated a mellow September evening in the 



12 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

country, and its attendant sights and sounds, with his 
father's death. 

A further incident, in this connection, also impressed 
him strongly. It would seem that in the excitement 
attendant upon the sudden illness of Mr. Muhlenberg 
the boy was left for a time unheeded, not even know- 
ing that his father had expired. Wandering in a mel- 
ancholy manner about the house, he was mounting the 
stairs when a door opened above and some member of 
the household came out. "Well, William," she said, 
" your father's dead ; " and then, in the same breath, to 
a servant who stood below, " Betsy, put on the hams ; " 
the funeral hams, that is, according to a custom, in 
those times, of spreading a collation for the mourners. 
A keen sense of the incongruous stamped this scene 
upon the child's mind no less forcibly than did his 
tenderness and sensibility that of the sunset drive. 

There w T ere tw^o other children: a daughter next in 
age to himself, afterwards Mrs. Mary Rogers, and an- 
other son, Frederick Augustus, who became a physi- 
cian and died in the prime of life. A pretty picture 
has come down to us of William and his sister, one 
nine the other seven years of age, going alone, hand 
in hand, reverently and discreetly, Sunday after Sun- 
day, to Christ Church, Philadelphia. The worship of 
the Lutheran Church, at that time, was in German, 
and as the children were ignorant of the language, 
their mother did not require them to attend there; 
so, left to himself in the matter, the boy thus early 
made his election of the Episcopal Church. Old Christ 



GENERAL WASHINGTON'S PEW. 13 

Church became very dear to him, especially its grand 
organ, which, to his ears, none other ever equalled. 
Bishop White, the rector, owing to some annoyance 
experienced by the congregation, had made a rule ex- 
cluding all children not accompanied by their parents 
or guardians, but the devout behavior of this little 
pair procured them an exemption, and some good peo- 
ple observing their regular attendance gave them a 
seat in the gallery, where a noticeable object of inter- 
est for them was General Washington's pew, which 
still retained its red velvet linings.* 

After a while a Lutheran minister the Eev. Philip 
Meyer, began to preach in English, and then Mrs. 
Muhlenberg desired the children to go with her. 
They did not at all like the change, especially as the 
Lutheran services were held in a hall without any of 
the attractive accompaniments of worship to which 
they had grown accustomed in Christ Church. 

William's education began with a school-mistress, of 
whom he retained only the faintest remembrance. He 
was next placed at a seminary of the Quakers, or 
Friends, under one Jeremiah Paul, w r here he acquired 
the rudiments of English, but not making the progress 
his mother expected, she removed him. He said of 

* There is an anecdote with, regard to General Washington's church- 
going, which may be told here: "In the English Prayer-Book, the 
Litany follows the ' Collect for Grace,' — the American revisers of the 
book have placed it after the 'Prayer for the President/ which took 
the place of that for the 'King's Majesty.' This was done, Bishop 
White said, that General Washington, not attending church in the 
afternoon, might hear the prayer in his behalf." — W. A. Mubxenbeeg. 



14 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

this school: "My most distinct recollections are that 
we had to go to Quaker meeting every Thursday morn- 
ing and there sit quiet for two hours; and on the day 
of my leaving I received a whipping from the school- 
master; good old Jeremiah, as he applied the rattan, 
saying, 'I ought to have given thee more of this, and 
then thy mother would not have to complain of thee 
learning so little.'" This vindictive castigation was 
the one whipping of his boyhood. After this he was 
entered at the Philadelphia Academy, at that time a 
celebrated school in charge of the Rev. Dx. Abercrom- 
bie, one of the assistant ministers of Christ Church, and 
famous for his pulpit oratory. 

About this time Mrs. Muhlenberg, with her three 
children, went to live with her mother, Mrs. Sheafe, at 
the northeast corner of Market and Seventh Streets.* 

William had a chivalrous love and admiration for his 
mother, and often dwelt fondly on the fact that though 
left a widow so young, with wealth and beauty in pos- 
session, she did not marry again, but devoted herself, 
and the fortune she inherited from her father, solely to 
the benefit of her children. 

He, on his part, was the pride and delight of mother 

* Mrs. Sheafe' s maiden name was Seckel, and to her brother, Mr. 
Lawrence Seckel, we owe the delicious little pear of this name. When 
"William Augustus Muhlenberg was a child, visiting at his great- 
uncle's, a German used to bring these pears for sale, always refus- 
ing to tell where he got them. After a time Mr. Lawrence Seckel 
purchased some land of the German, and there was the pear-tree 
from scions of which the fruit has been propagated throughout the 
country. 



INVENTIVE FACULTY. 15 

and grand-mother, and was treated by them with an in- 
dulgence which he never abused. Referring to this 
period, his sister says of him, "He was a most reliable 
boy and a very amusing brother, always entertaining 
us with some new play or exhibition." He was very 
ingenious, and in the intervals of lessons occupied him- 
self in scientific illustrations; in mezzotinting on glass, 
in making fireworks, in which he excelled, and in 
mimic theatricals. He had a workroom at the top of 
the house where he carried on these operations, and a 
friendly druggist at the corner of the street with whom 
he was very intimate on the subject of the chemicals 
necessary in his experiments, so that his grandmother 
used to say his choice of a profession lay between that 
of a clergyman and an apothecary. 

In the spring of 1806 an accidental circumstance 
greatly furthered the boy's predilection for the Epis- 
copal Church. The growth of the city of Philadelphia, 
and the tendency of the population towards the west- 
ward parts, made an Episcopal place of worship neces- 
sary in that direction, and the vestry of Christ Church 
and St. Peter's appointed a committee to consider "the 
ways and means for building another church." Search- 
ing for a suitable site in the neighborhood of Seventh 
and Market Streets, they came upon a lot of ground 
belonging to his mother, Mrs. Mary Muhlenberg, and 
bought the same of her for the sum of eight thousand 
five hundred dollars; and on June 10th of the following 
year the corner-stone of St. James's Church was laid, 
St. James's being included in the same corporation 



16 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

with Christ Church and St. Peters, and Bishop White 
being rector of the three as "united churches." The 
vestry, in purchasing the land of Mrs. Muhlenberg, 
gave her, besides the money, a large "double pew," 
as it was called, in the middle aisle. This, and the 
proximity of the new church to their dwelling were 
arguments for the attendance of the mother and her 
children there, which the eldest son eagerly pressed, 
and not without effect. Mrs. Muhlenberg determined 
upon the change, though in so doing she had to exer- 
cise much firmness in resisting the opposition of differ- 
ent members of her family who had then joined the 
English Lutheran congregation already alluded to. 
They thought she did grievously wrong in forsaking 
what they termed u \h<d old faith." Nevertheless, later, 
most of them followed her example. 

Meanwhile the church was completed, and when 
the day for the consecration arrived, William was all 
anticipation. The occasion failed, in one respect, to 
meet his expectations. Their house being very near 
the church, it had been arranged that the bishop 
and clergy should meet there to put on their robes 
and form the procession. Afterwards, however, Bishop 
White, wishing to make as little parade through the 
streets as possible, preferred a house still nearer the 
church. "I well remember," he said, "what a sore 
disappointment it was to me; for I had been talking 
with my schoolmates of the great honor to be done 
our house in the bishop thus using it." The consecra- 
tion took place May 1st, 1810. 



ECCLESIASTICAL MSTHETICISM. 17 

William Augustus Muhlenberg was innately a church 
boy, and a devout appreciation of sacred offices and of 
the meaning of fast and festival was intuitive with him. 
Further, his strong natural taste for the scenic made 
the appropriate application of it to the offices of relig- 
ion delightful. This was spontaneous, instinctive, — 
neither the result of teaching nor the imitation of any 
model, — and it goes far to harmonize, or at least ex- 
plain, the seeming inconsistencies, in after years, of 
his ecclesiastical aestheticism with his immovable evan- 
gelic faith. 

From childhood he entered heartily into the Church 
Year. Page after page of his boy journals is filled with 
notices of the festivals as they come, and how he ob- 
served them. These youthful diaries are very artless 
jottings of whatever happens to concern him, and, 
particularly, of his faults and shortcomings; for, from 
first to last, never was soul more honest with itself. 

Yet the scrawled and blotted pages are none the less 
alive with true boy nature, his sports with his com- 
panions, his likes and dislikes, with many a droll and 
keen observation of men and things as he meets them. 

One of his minutes of Christmas exhibits strongly 
his ardor for religious services, and is illustrative, pro- 
phetically, of maturer days. After noting, on Christ- 
mas Eve, that school was broken up until after Xew 
Year's Day, that the confectioners' and fruit stores are 
in holiday array, and the mince pies being made at 
home, he adds: "I have dressed mamma's room, and 
my own with boughs as handsomely as I could ; " and 



« 
18 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

then drawing with his pen, at the head of the page, a 
large glory-rayed star with the monogram g. p, jj>, in 
the centre, he w T rites: " Prepare, my soul, to celebrate 
thy Saviours birth. Behold, my soul, thy Saviour bom 
in a manger! How great the condescension! Oh, the 
love of God! My soul swells with holy love. Oh! sa- 
cred flame keep up. 1 ' He records that at seven o'clock 
on Christmas morning he went into St. Mary's and 
"all the chapels," and then to morning service at St. 
James's, which he found decorated "as well as might 
be," but evidently not to his satisfaction. He tells 
of the sermon by Dr. Abercrombie, and that he stayed 
to witness the celebration of the Lord's Supper (he 
had not yet been confirmed), then of the afternoon 
service by Mr. Kemper. He enjoys it all, and regrets 
at night that the day is over. " dies felicissima ! 
Dies dilecta ! " he exclaims, " How happy should I be 
if I could spend all my days like this ! " At the same 
time he laments that the services were not richer and 
fuller. "Were I an archbishop, the churches on this 
most holy day should shine with brilliancy, not poor 
laurel only. I would have the altar in white, a large 
painting representing the Nativity, wreaths of cedar 
and laurel to hide the walls, a choir with loud-bursting 
organ and thousand voices should sing their alleluias. 
Churches I would have builded in the most magnificent 
manner," etc., etc, ; concluding with, "but I am young. 
I speak not contrary to what our good bishop thinks 
wise." 

Before this, in his twelfth year, he had completed his 



PREFERENCE FOR THE MINISTRY. 19 

merely English education at the academy, receiving a 
diploma for his proficiency in the different branches. 
At the commencement, which consisted chiefly in exer- 
cises in elocution, being required to take part in an 
original dialogue on the " Choice of a Profession," true 
to his earliest wish, he declared his preference for the 
sacred ministry, quoting from Cowper: 

"The pulpit, therefore— (and I name it filled 
With solemn awe, that bids me well beware 
With what intent I touch that holy thing)." 

Leaving the academy he attended for three years the 
Grammar School of the University of Pennsylvania, 
preparatory to entering college. 



CHAPTER III. 

1811-1815. 

College Life. — A True Friend. — Youthful Sports. — Confirmation. — Re- 
tiring yet Courageous. — The Juniors and the Provost. — Studies. — 
Church Observances. — Philomathean Society. — College Classmates. — 
Life -long Friends. — An Impenitent Boy Friend. — Public Affairs. — 
Closing Events of War of 18 12. — A Day of Military Service. — The 
Treaty of Ghent. — Peace joyfully Welcomed. — Graduated with Honors. 

He entered upon his collegiate course when fifteen. 
This period of life, the period of feeling and passion, 
had its dangers for him as for most youths. That he 
passed through it unsullied may be attributed, among 
other causes, to the watchful affection of a young man 
in the University, who, though older than William, 
seems to have been magnetically attracted to him in 
an ardent and equal friendship which the latter always 
looked back upon, with gratitude to God, as one of the 
best blessings of his life. We have some recollections 
of these days from his own lips: 

" While I was at the Grammar School, I became inti- 
mate with several of my schoolmates with whom, for 
two or three years, I spent the summer vacation, at a 
Quaker farmer's in the country. From these compan- 
ions I learned no good, and, through all my life, have 
regretted my acquaintance with them. And here I 



A TRUE FRIEND. 21 

must make grateful mention of Mr. Joseph P. Engles, 
who was a tutor in the college while I was in the 
Grammar School. Although seven years older than 
myself, we became warm friends. To no one in my 
youth was I more attached; and to no one individual 
in all my life, do I owe more of personal religious 
influence. He first became interested in me, from see- 
ing my danger from the evil companions alluded to. 
Engles and I used to have violent dis- 
putes together in religion and politics, as he was a 
strict Presbyterian, a covenanter, and a democrat, while 
I was a stout Episcopalian and a federalist; but we 
often went to each other's churches. Engles thought 
I made too much of the forms of religion, and was 
particularly offended at my wearing a cross inside my 
dress ; it was a large silver cross, the first thing I ever 
had made. I recollect how relieved he was, w r hen, on 
asking me what hymn I best loved, I answered: 

" 'I'm not ashamed to own my Lord, 
Or to defend his cause, 
Maintain the honor of his word, 
The glory of his cross.'" 

In a portion of Mr. Engles's journal of this date, 
we find frequent allusions to his youthful friend. At 
first as though studying his character; later as de- 
lighting in his society. In one place he says, " I have 
a very high opinion of Muhlenberg." In another, 
" Muhlenberg seems to have escaped the gross cor 
ruption of his age." Once when they had passed a 



22 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

whole evening together, arguing upon predestination 
and kindred subjects, Mr. E., unwilling to part from 
his companion, prevented him, by a ruse, from hearing 
the hour cried by the watchman, and so kept him long 
past his usual time for returning home- 
Napoleon, then playing his wonderful role in the 
drama of nations, was another topic of animated dis- 
cussion between the two. Muhlenberg always detested 
the character of the mighty soldier, while Engles was 
blinded to its enormities by the glamor of military 
glory. A letter of rebuke to the latter on his gratu- 
lations at Bonaparte's resumption of power after his 
escape from Elba, is curiously illustrative, not only 
of the young Muhlenberg's anti-Napoleonic sentiments, 
but of the fire underlying his gentleness, and how he 
sometimes manifested it. The epistle begins without 
any of the usual terms of endearment, thus, — 

" Joseph! You rejoice at the present news! What shall I say? 
One who professes to adore the Prince of peace, and who has been 
admitted to the privilege of his kingdom by the holy rite of Bap- 
tism rejoices at the elevation of a blood-thirsty, a hellish tyrant ! 

Christendom reposed in peace The nations of the earth 

appeared to be uniting under the banner of the Cross 

The blessed time when peace shall be universal seemed to be ap- 
proaching — But alas ! again the monster rises ! The enemy of the 
Church, the proud and blasphemous persecutor of the saints, the dis- 
turber of nations again appears, and — a Christian rejoices ! Blessed 
Jesus, can it be ? 

"Will the plea of patriotism be urged as the cause of your pres- 
ent joy? Cursed be that patriotism which is kindled by the view 
of rivers of blood. What ! Would even a rational being, not to say 



HIS MOTHER'S TRUE KNIGHT. 23 

a Christian, desire the political interests of his country when they 
are to be purchased by the tears of thousands of widows and orphans? 
True patriotism never destroys philanthropy. No ! Joseph, take 
your Bible and read the peaceful, the heavenly doctrines of Jesus, 

and be glad, if you dare, at the exaltation of Napoleon 

Until you can prove that the Spirit of God delights in wars, I will 
not believe that a follower of the Lamb can rejoice in the present 
news." 

His first printed verses, "An Ode to Spring," ap- 
peared at this time in the "Portfolio," a periodical of 
the day, and he began to throw off poetical effusions 
freely at the desire of his friends. He found more 
pleasure in literary occupations than in athletic exer- 
cises, except it were walking ; his genial disposition led 
him to take part with his young companions, in boat- 
ing, fishing, swimming, and even gunning, but he did 
not excel in these sports. Of gunning, a very few ex- 
peditions sufficed. The last time he went, he shot a 
dove, and then vowed never again to engage in the 
pastime. He was so dull at dancing-school, that the 
master often pulled his ears, and when on a certain oc- 
casion he understood the direction "turn out your toes 1 ' 
to mean that he was to spread those members within 
his dancing-slippers, he was pronounced incapable of 
learning. Nevertheless, he much enjoyed the practising 
balls, which, in those days, were very innocent things, 
always ending at nine in the evening. Throughout 
these days, and always, his heart w T as strong in its 
home affections; he was ever his widowed mother's 
fond and true knight, and the loving admirer of his 
only sister. Such words as "Mary played well," or 



24 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

"Sister looked very pretty to-night," come in, from time 
to time, with his mention of an evening entertainment. 

In the second year of his college course, he Avas con- 
firmed. The Eev. Jackson Kemper was then one of 
the assistant ministers of the united churches and 
a very popular young preacher. He was popular in a 
good sense of the word, for he was the means of 
a genuine revival of religion. Young and old were 
moved by his preaching, and among them William 
A. Muhlenberg, who makes frequent allusion to the 
subject, in his journal of this period. 

Notice being given of the confirmation which was to 
take place in the approaching Passion Week, he went 
to see his " beloved minister," as he then termed Mr. 
Kemper, though without any personal acquaintance 
with him, in reference to his acceptance as a candi- 
date for the rite. He said, in relation to this: "Over- 
coming the extreme diffidence I felt, I introduced my- 
self to him, and his kind manner soon put me so much 
at ease that I asked him some questions on the sub- 
ject of Baptismal Regeneration, about which my mind 
had been perplexed. All I recollect is that he assured 
me that regeneration did not mean a change of heart. 
He invited me to come and see him again, and thus 
began an acquaintance which lasted with unabated es- 
teem and affection to the day of his death 

"On Easter Even of this year (1813), I was confirmed 
at St. James's Church, in company with a hundred and 
eighty others, most of whom were adults, and some 
quite old people. Such a time had never before been 



THE PROVOST. 25 

known, in the church in Philadelphia, and greatly it 
gladdened the heart of Bishop White, as he expressed 
himself in a sermon on the occasion. It was not the 
custom at that time in Philadelphia, for any but com- 
municants to kneel at the prayers, and I well remember 
the effort it cost me to do so, in the prayers, at the 
preparatory lectures, in our large square pew, where 
one could be seen by every body. It was at the time 
of my confirmation, too, that I resolved to give up go- 
ing to the theatre, of which I had been rather fond, 
considering that as one of 'the pomps and vanities of 
the world,' of course to be renounced; unobjectiona- 
ble as the stage then was, compared with its present 
depravity." 

In taking this step, William had to endure some lone- 
liness and occasionally a little raillery from his com- 
panions; but shy and diffident as he was -in a high 
degree where duty was not at stake, he was strong in 
moral courage wherever there was need for it. An in- 
stance of this which is not unworthy of mention, ap- 
pears in an episode of his college life while he was a 
junior. There were unruly and turbulent spirits in 
the University of Pennsylvania in those times, as in 
other colleges nowadays, and the majority of this class 
of juniors found their sport in systematically torment- 
ing a venerable member of the faculty, the Provost, 
Dr. Andrews, to whom they recited in several branches. 
There was not the least provocation for this bad be- 
havior, and William is at once indignant. He does 
not hesitate to call the conduct of the boys "shameful," 



26 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

and with three of the better-minded ones takes sides 
boldly with the master. The insubordinate ones taunt 
Muhlenberg and his allies as "curries,'' which they 
take as a matter of course. The contest runs through 
several months, Muhlenberg and his friends defeating 
the tricks of the others against Dr. Andrews, and 
standing up for him in various ways. 

The matter ended appallingly in the sudden death 
of the Provost. He heard the nine o'clock recitations, 
one morning, and at a quarter past ten. was no more. 
The unruly juniors were awed, and Muhlenberg's af- 
fectionate heart greatly moved. School being at once 
dismissed he went home, and, shutting himself up 
with his journal, filled four pages with a monody on 
the event. These pages are double-ruled around their 
edges, and filled in, by his own hand, with a broad, 
black border. In his lament he says: "How sweet was 
his disposition! How kindly he labored to make us 
understand Homer, Cicero, Juvenal! — a perfect master 
of the classics," etc., etc. 

As regards his college studies, Greek, Latin, Belles 
Lettres, and Natural and Moral Philosophy were the 
most congenial. Mathematics went hard with him; 
nevertheless, he would not at any time allow himself 
to be behind here, in the recitations. If not a very 
close student, he had so much quickness of apprehen- 
sion and so manly an ambition and conscientiousness 
in doing his duty, that he was always well up in any 
study that was before the class. 

In addition to the regular college course, he took les- 



"PHILO." 27 

sons between hours and of an evening in music, the 
piano and flute, in drawing, elocution, and chemistry, 
with botanical and mineralogical expeditions for rec- 
reation. Amidst all this work, he finds much fault 
with himself for his unstudious habits: " Lazy, lazy! 
I must study more," is a frequent item, of this date, in 
his diary. In one place he adds to this complaint: " If 
I do not attain mediocrity, it is not Nature's fault, for 
I feel able to learn any thing I take in hand." In 
another place he complains of the time he has to give 
to some studies (Euclid for instance) not, to his youth 
ful judgment, necessary or useful for a clergyman, and 
expresses his weariness of the college routine, adding, 
as though solacing himself with the thought, " But 
religion is my delight." We may well believe this, 
since to all his other engagements at this time, he 
added a weekly attendance at the " Prayer Society" 
instituted by Mr. Kemper, and an observance of all 
church days and church occasions, so far as his hours 
with his tutors would permit. He makes full notes in 
his diary of his Sundays, with ordinarily, their three 
services, giving the gist of the sermons often with 
some striking criticism. Even at this early day he is 
thoughtful for the poor, and observes with regret the 
small collections after charity sermons, exclaiming in 
one instance, " Benevolentia Temporum, Charitas 
Christianorum ! " 

He took an active part in the " Philomathean," a 
literary society still existing, of which his class were 
the founders, and he himself a first mover in its for- 



28 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

raation and one of its first moderators. This, while 
under seventeen, was the earliest effort of that origi- 
nating and organizing power which he possessed so 
strongly and always so earnestly directed to the high- 
est and noblest ends. In his journal of these days, 
there are scattered notices of "Philo." in her infancy 
which show him guiding and shaping her course with 
something of the Christian wisdom, ability, and tact 
which he brought so effectually to bear upon more 
important foundations in riper years. The following, 
among others, is an example. The Philomatheans had 
asked and obtained a room in the college for their ex- 
clusive use; Muhlenberg soon observed that the mem- 
bers congregated there on Sundays, to the desecration 
of the Lord's day. Not wishing to appear as acting 
in the matter, he made a communication to the society 
over the signature "Mentor Residens" with a motion 
which was carried unanimously, that the doors of the 
society room should be henceforth kept locked on Sun- 
day. The society continues prosperous and useful.* 

* On the occasion of his eightieth birthday, Dr. Muhlenberg re- 
ceived with great pleasure the following note from the society, to- 
gether with the engrossed copy of the Resolutions to which it refers, 
and his reply to the Philomatheans was one of the last letters he 

ever wrote : 

' ' Untveesity of Penna, j 
Phila, Nov. 6, 1876. J 
"Rev. W. A. Muhlenbebg, D.D., 

"My Dear Sir, — By the same mail, I have the pleasure of sending 
you a series of Resolutions, adopted by the Philomathean Society at 
a recent meeting. * Philo.' is in a nourishing condition. She has 
sixty active members, and her library numbers about 2,500 volumes 



"VENITE ADOREMUS." 29 

Mr. Joseph P. Engles has been mentioned as the 
choice friend of William Augustus Muhlenberg's youth. 
There were several others to whom he was strongly at- 
tached. In this connection he says: 

"Besides this good Presbyterian, I was intimate with 
Christian F. Cruse, a Lutheran, with Geo. B. Wood, a 
Quaker, and, though less so, with James Keating, a 
Roman Catholic ; I ought to add that I took occasional 
opportunities of going to the Roman Church, and for 
several years made a point of attending early Christ- 
mas mass in the old Roman Catholic church on the 
corner of Sixth and Spruce Streets, Philadelphia. ' Ve- 
nite adoremus, Venite adoremus ! ' how it rang in my 
ears, and I can not tell how much its echoes have 
had to " do with the early Christmas services, in which 
so many have rejoiced with me in the course of my 
ministry." 

It is a testimony alike to his discrimination and to 

In the new and magnificent buildings of the University, she is ac- 
commodated with two spacious rooms which have been handsomely 
fitted up. The walls are hung with photographs of the senior mem 
bers, and above the. Moderator's Desk is a scroll bearing the honored 
names of the thirteen gentlemen who in 1813 founded the Society. 
To one of these gentlemen Philo. now expresses her thanks, respect, 
and admiration. 

"Our college also is in a flourishing condition. In the Classica 
and Scientific Departments, she numbers over three hundred students. 
Hoping that the Eesolutions may not be unacceptable, but may call 
up some pleasant recollections of college days, 

"I remain respectfully yours, 

"J. Waeeen Taedley, 

" Chairman Com. 9 * 



30 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

the fidelity of his nature, that the college friendships 
here alluded to (Keating's only excepted, of whom we 
hear no more) lasted through life.* Of Christian F. 
Cruse, he made the following entry in his college diary: 
"Christian Frederick Cruse I highly esteem. His 
genius is accompanied with the greatest modesty; his 
manners are mild and without the least offence. In 
all his essays, he discovers much depth of thought. 
He is very religious, and is studying theology to take 
orders in the Lutheran Church. His mother is very 
poor and he is educated by the German Society ; never- 
theless he has been always respected in the class and 
in the society, the Philomathean. I think he w^ill be 
a profound theologian. I know not any young man 
for whom I have more respect." f 

* Mr. Erjgles died in 1861. A photograph portrait of him remains, 
on which is written, below the likeness, "A friend to be forgotten 
never, A brother dear in Christ forever !" And on the reverse of the 
picture an inscription thus: "This was sent to me by Thomas D. 
Engles, son of my dear friend, Joseph P. Engles, who died suddenly 
in Phila. last spring. There was no one to whose religious and moral 
influence I was so much indebted in the days of boyhood and youth, 
as to that of this excellent Presbyterian, — We loved each other to the 
day of his death. W. A. M. St. Luke's Hospital, Sept. 3, 1861." 

f It is interesting to read side by side with the above, the following 
notice of Christian Frederick Cruse by the same pen, "fifty years later. 
It is dated St. Luke's Hospital, Oct. 9, 1865. — "There was a funeral 
last Monday in this Chapel which I can not forbear to mention. It 
was that of one who was more to me than a brother, — the Eev. Chris- 
tian F. Cruse', Doctor in Divinity — truly a Divine Doctor — Divine in 
his life as well as in his calling. He was latterly the Librarian of the 
General Theological Seminary, and a Library in himself, especially 



COLLEGE CLASSMATES. 31 

This sketch is one of a series of acute and graphic 
moral and mental portraitures of the entire class, made 
in the last year of the course for the purpose of refer- 
ence in after times. Appended to each is his college 
sobriquet. Among the sketches, we find this of him- 
gelf — "William Augustus Muhlenberg, with, as many 
faults as any ' of them; but I fear he does not know 
them." His Quaker friend, Geo. B. Wood, he describes 
as "the best scholar of the class."* 

In addition to those here named, there were several 

in theology and sacred literature in all their departments and in all 
languages: and of history extensively, ancient and modern; yet not a 
repositary of mere learning, but of learning applied and illuminated 

by the light of that which was to him the Book of books 

He was a true Christian philosopher, serene and patient as philoso- 
phy itself. Modest, meek, and reverential in a saintly degree." — - 
Evangelical Catholic Papers, 2d Series. Pastosal Notes, p. 186. 

* This gentleman, Dr. Geo. B. Wood, of Philadelphia, alone sur- 
vived him. His eminence in his profession has justified this early 
promise. He is well known through his " United States Dispensa- 
tory," his "Therapeutics," and other valuable text-books. In the 
spring of the year 1876, Dr. Muhlenberg, after a long absence, re- 
visited his native city, as it proved, for the last time, and called upon 
his old friend, then very infirm. The writer, who was present at 
one of these interviews, subsequently received from Dr. W. a graceful 
note, containing a handsome contribution towards the twenty thou- 
sand ($20,000) dollars which was then being privately collected for a 
gift to Dr. Muhlenberg, as the beginning of an endowment of his 
St. Johnland, in honor of his eightieth birthday — the name of the 
fund being the "Muhlenberg Endowment." In concluding his favor, 
Dr. Wood requested that when the proper time came, this tribute of 
his might be named to the friend "whom he had known, loved, and 
esteemed, from boyhood." 



32 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

among his college associates for whom he entertained 
much regard for the time ; and others, again, for whose 
welfare he became deeply concerned, though they were 
not his particular friends. To one such, who needed 
it, he writes an anonymous letter on Dissipation; for 
another he reminds himself to pray regularly, the be- 
ginning, possibly, of that peculiar sympathy for the 
young of his own sex which throughout life distin- 
guished him. 

Some memoranda of this period which he made on 
the death of a youth whom he had once ardently loved, 
reveal both his own remarkable powers of attraction 
and the character of much of his intercourse with his 
boy friends. The earlier attachment of the two had 
greatly waned before the end of their college career; 
they grew to differ so essentially in opinions, morals, 
and habits, it could not be otherwise. But when Muhl- 
enberg heard that the lad had come to an untimely 
end, — he died at seventeen, under very distressing cir- 
cumstances, — all the tenderness of his affectionate heart 
was moved, and he reviewed at length the incidents of 
their intimacy; largely, it would appear, to see whether 
he had done all he might for the other's salvation: 

"The amiable, beautiful E is dead. 

" 'There cracked the cordage of a noble heart.' 

I never will forget him. One more generous and affec- 
tionate could not be When I recollect how 

sincerely he was attached to me, the thought of not 
having seen him in his illness occasions me much pain. 



A SAD END. 33 

. . . One of his expressions I particularly remem- 
ber. He said, 'I wish I were religious, that you might 
think better of me, and that our friendship might exist 
beyond the present world.' How often has he pressed 
my hand with tenderest affection — with that hand now 
frozen in death! How quickly did his heart beat in 
unison with my feelings, on any occasion, whether of 
joy or grief. . . , . I remember he once told me he 
had a dream, in which he thought the judgment had 
come: that he was to enter heaven, but that I was 
doomed to hell. He thought he told the judge that 
either 1 must come up with him or he go down with 
me ; but if that could not be, I should take his place 
and he mine. I considered this an evidence of the 
sincerity of his affection for me. Again, I w r as one 
evening with him at St. Paul's Church, at an oratorio. 
Being engaged with the music, I paid little attention 
to him. Some time after, he told me that the coldness 
which I displayed towards him that evening prevented 

him from sleeping through the night I have 

conversed hours with him upon the importance of re- 
ligion. He listened attentively. I recollect that he 
was much impressed, for several days, with a sermon 
on Eepentance which we heard together. He said: 
'I perceive the necessity of repentance, but I also see 
the total change which must be effected in the dispo- 
sitions of my heart; and so I despair of ever becom- 
ing religious.' I mentioned the omnipotency of God's 
grace. He returned, 'I hope to be better before I die.' 
. . . . . If my prayers have availed any thing, he 
3 



34 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

has made a happy exchange of worlds. For a month 
past, I have addressed the throne of grace thrice daily 
in his behalf. " 

The year 1814 was an eventful period in public 
affairs, both at home and abroad. In Europe, the de- 
position of the great Napoleon. At home, the con- 
cluding struggles of the war with Great Britain. 
The thoughtful and Christian mind of young Muhl- 
enberg pondered these events as they transpired. He 
greatly deplored the contest between the United States 
and England. An enlightened patriotism was his her- 
itage, and " Our Washington's Birthday," as often as 
the year brought it round, was observed with honor 
and joy to the end of his days: but war was ab- 
horrent to him, and his mind was fully impressed 
that the existing one was unnecessary. He had a 
strong bias towards the Quaker doctrine of non-re- 
sistance, and in order to confirm himself in this theory, 
if tenable, or to correct his prepossessions if he were 
wrong, he wrote an essay on the subject, and per- 
suaded a young friend, of that time, whom he dearly 
loved, Benjamin Eush Rhees, to say in a similar manner 
all that he could on the opposite side. This was his 
wont in any doubtful matter, and no one could yield 
a point with more candor and grace than himself, 
where reason demanded it. In the present case, all 
his pains did not settle the vexed question. Non-re- 
sistance and public protection could not be made com- 
patible. Feeling and judgment remained at issue. 

On the capture of the capital by the British under 



CARRYING SODS FOR THE FORTS. 35 

General Ross, on the 24th of August, the youth of all 
the principal cities sprang to arms and there was a 
possibility that Muhlenberg might himself be forced 
into the conflict. In his diary of this date, he says: 
"All is military. Companies everywhere forming. I 
am just eighteen — what ought I to do?" On Sept. 13, 
he wrote : ' The British have been repulsed at Baltimore : 
General Ross killed. Querie — Is it Christian-like to re- 
joice in the death of an enemy? New Testament says, 
* Love your enemies. ' " 

Philadelphia was ordered to strengthen her defences, 
and the University of Pennsylvania offered its services 
to the committee charged with the business. On Sept. 
23, Muhlenberg makes this entry: u The classes of 
the college worked to-day at the fortifications. I car- 
ried sods. Hard work. I put a handkerchief over my 
shoulders and tied it to the handle of the barrow. We 
ate our dinners out like workmen. AVe worked by 
ourselves in finishing a defence at the entrance of 
the forts." 

The approach of peace filled his soul with almost 
rapturous thanksgiving. Those were not the days of 
cable or steamer, and the signing of the preliminaries 
by the commissioners at Ghent on the 24th of Decem- 
ber, 1814, was not known in the United States until 
seven weeks after. A frigate brought the good tid- 
ings to Philadelphia on Sunday, Feb. 12, 1815. On 
this date, William writes in his diary: "After morn- 
ing service, I heard the joyous news of peace, that a 
treaty has been concluded and signed by the Prince 



36 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

Eegent — waits only for ratification by the President 
The whole city seems in a tumult of joy. Every body 
congratulates whom he meets. But to God — to God 
alone — be the honor and glory and praise of this unmer- 
ited mercy, this greatest of human blessings. Mamma 
was overcome with the unexpected joy, and burst into 
tears. How shall we thank thee, God! Let thy 
Church sing anthems aloud to thy name." 

The next day, he writes: "I can think cf nothing 
but the peace;" and later: u Though it is not known 
whether the President will ratify the treaty, the city, 
this evening, is brilliantly illuminated. I filled the 
panes of my windows with colored transparent paper, 
and put a candle behind each. They had the appear- 
ance of colored lamps at a distance." 

His college course ended with the close of the year 
1814. The commencement took place on the 10th of 
January, 1815, when he received his degree of A.B., 
with what are called " third honors"; Christian F. Cruse 
receiving the first, and George B. Wood the second, 
and these two friends were with himself the first mod- 
erators of the Philomathean Society. 

He had eagerly anticipated his liberation from col- 
lege, more especially that he might be free to pursue 
those studies only in which he could take delight ; but 
it was not in his nature to. terminate the associations 
of those days without emotion. With a tender sadness, 
he indulged at some length in a retrospect of his uni- 
versity life, even the disagreeables of which he then 
found had their pleasant side; characteristically add- 



LEAVING COLLEGE. 37 

Ing: "Now, I almost love Euclid" — "I am even at- 
tached to poor ," an unfortunate youth whom every- 
body disliked. One morning, a day or two later, he 
notes that he went to the chapel and "listened at the 
door, to the old prayers." He is able to say as this 
chapter of his life closes, "I have never had any quar- 
rel with any one, and I leave college on good terms 
with each person in it." 



CHAPTER IV. 

1815-1820. 

Study of Theology. — Interview with Bishop White. — The Theological 
Seminary Question. — Earnest Preparation. — First Communion. — Self- 
searching Questions at Close of Year. — Reforming the Organ Loft. — 
Office of Clerk Abolished. — Removal to Arch St. — A Prayer in Every 
Room. — Founded a Church in Huntingdon Co. — Proposed Visit to 
Europe Abandoned. — Ordained Deacon. — Bishop White's Assistant. — 
Extreme Diffidence at Beginning of Ministry. — Bishop White's Meek- 
ness. — Anecdotes. — The Sunday Schools. — Church Music. — An Aux- 
iliary Bible Society. — Visiting Among the Poor. — Ordained Priest. — 
Accepts a Call to St. James's, Lancaster. — Letter from Bishop White. 

Not more than ten days passed, after Mr. Muhlen- 
berg's graduation, before he called upon Bishop White 
in reference to his study of theology. The bishop gave 
him a very cordial welcome, telling him he had an 
hereditary right to the sacred office, through his great- 
grandfather, Dr. Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, whom, 
though a Lutheran, he said he venerated as an elder 
brother in the ministry. Bishop White was fond of 
anecdotes, and entertained the young candidate a 
while with pleasant stories of his great-uncle, Gen- 
eral Peter Muhlenberg, who had been ordained in 
England by the bishop of London at the same time 
with himself. 

As to his theological curriculum, the bishop referred 



THEOLOGICAL STUDIES. 39 

him to the course prescribed by the bishops for candi- 
dates for orders, advising him to begin with reading 
Paley's Evidences of Christianity, to which succeeded 
Butler's Analogy, Stackhouse's History of the Bible, 
and Adam Clarke's Commentary, the last then a new 
work, from which, as from the other authors named, 
Mr. Muhlenberg and two fellow students recited regu- 
larly to Mr. Kemper. The young men also met once 
a fortnight in the bishop's study, to read essays of 
their own on subjects chosen by the bishop. 

It was not until a year or two later than the time of 
which we are speaking, that the formation of a Theo- 
logical Seminary came seriously under consideration. 
The subject then awakened much interesting discus- 
sion, particularly on the question, whether a large gen- 
eral institution, or a multiplication of smaller schools, 
were the more desirable, and one of Mr. Muhlenberg's 
earliest writings on a distinctively church matter, was 
a paper on this point, which he delivered before the 
bishop at a meeting of the Theological Society in 1817. 
The manuscript remains. It is a clear, forcible, but 
youthfully eager argument for a large General Insti- 
tution, or Theological University, as he would have had 
it, differing in this from his revered church -father, 
Bishop White, who expressed his preference for the 
establishment of local or diocesan seminaries.* 

• The following letter from Archbishop Seeker to the Rev. Mr. 
Peters of Christ Church, Philadelphia, referring to the foundation of 
the first colleges under Episcopal auspices in colonial times, is in- 
teresting in this connection. It was originally contributed by Dr. 



40 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

Mr. Muhlenberg, in his preparation for the ministry, 
had other training than that of books. He constantly 

Muhlenberg to one of the monthly numbers of his "Journal of the 
Institute," from an autograph in his possession. "Dr. Smith," the 
bearer of this epistle was the author of the Preface to the American 
Book of Common Prayer. 

"Good Mr. Peters:— I received and read your letter of the 22d 
October, with great pleasure. But I have had the gout almost if not 
quite ever since, which hath attacked not only my feet, but my hands 
in such a manner, that for a long time I was not 'able to write s6 much 
as my name, and now I can write but very little without doing myself 
harm. However I can not let Dr. Smith go, without sending you a 
line by him. Providence hath blessed our endeavors here for the 
benefit of his college much beyond my expectation. And indeed his 
abilities and diligence have been the chief instruments of the success. 
Dissenters have contributed laudably; but the members of the Church 
of England, and particularly the clergy, have been proportionably far 
more liberal. Doubtless they were induced to it by the allegation in 
the brief, that this seminary and that of New York would be ex- 
tremely useful in educating missionaries to serve the Society for 
Propagating the Gospel. And therefore I hope the Trustees of the 
College of Philadelphia will be careful to make provision, that all 
such as are designed for clergymen of our Church shall be instructed 
by a Professor of Divinity who is a member of our Church, which 
may surely be done without giving any offence to persons of other 
denominations: a fault that should, by all means, be studiously 
avoided: as I doubt not but through your prudence it may and will. 
And with due precaution the thing is necessary to be done. My hand 
admonishes me that I have gone my length. I have many things to 
say to you; but must postpone them till we meet, if it please God to 
give us life and health for it. I have heard within these few days that 
you have been very ill. May the Father of Mercies preserve you for 
the good of his Church. I am with very great esteem, 

"Your loving brother, 

"Lambeth, April 13, 1764." "Tho. Cant. 



TRAINING FOR THE MINISTRY. 41 

accompanied Mr. Kemper in his visits to the sick and 
poor of the city, and seems to have made very diligent 
use of such opportunities of improvement, recording in 
his diary the most instructive of these experiences. 
"Students of divinity," he writes, "ought to be ac- 
quainted with such scenes. Mr. K. told me he had 
never been in a sick-room before he was called to visit 
one as a clergyman." With the same earnestness of 
purpose he now gave more "serious attention to music," 
not for an amusement, but that he might "be able to do 
something towards making the services of the church 
more elevating to the pious, and more impressive to the 
minds of the thoughtless." All his powers seemed bent 
towards fitting himself for the high office at which he 
aimed. "Do I indeed hope one day to preach the Gos- 
pel of salvation," he writes; "0 God, if that be thy will, 
sanctify my whole heart for the work ! " 

It was not until now, Easter, 1815, in his nineteenth 
year, and two years after his confirmation, that he be- 
came a communicant. No reason appears for this long 
postponement of his admission to the Lord's Table ; but 
throughout his ministry he was wont to advise an in- 
terval between Confirmation and the partaking of the 
Holy Communion, at least for young persons, often 
saying in this connection, "One step at a time." Ha- 
bitually, from childhood, he remained to witness the 
celebration of the sacrament, and his own experience 
led him to recommend this practice to non-communi- 
cants of whatever age, and particularly to the young, 
as a means of edification and preparation. He con- 



42 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

eludes the record of his own first communion with 
these simple words: "0 Jesus, grant that nothing in 
my future life may disagree with what I have done 
to-day." 

The last pagos of his journal for this year illustrate 
strongly his intense reality and that holy strictness 
with himself which characterized him always. De- 
signed simply for his own eye, and only preserved to 
be used as tests and waymarks whereby to try him- 
self in future years, it would not be proper to give 
more than a brief extract, by way of example, as to 
the manner in which he habitually wound up each 
closing year; the form of the exercise adapted of 
course, as time went on, to his riper experience and 
wider responsibilities. 

The paper is dated " Tuesday, Dec. 31, 1815," and 
reads: 

"The end of another year. How much better and 
wiser have I grown since the last return of this sea- 
son? Come, my soul, let us enter upon the exam- 
ination — 

"Oh Almighty God, assist me with thy grace while I 
endeavor to remember the multitude of my past follies 
and sins. Shine into my heart, that my secret wick- 
ednesses may be brought to light. Enable me to keep 
sacredly the resolutions which I shall make, if they be 
agreeable to thy holy will. Oh let them not be as 
those which I have formerly made. This I beg for 
Jesus Christ's sake. 

"Have I grown in grace? 



SELF-SCRUTINY. 43 

"1 Lave been admitted to the altar this year, and 
have frequented it; but I often fear that I have been 
an unworthy recipient, I am thoroughly convinced 
that my improvement in holiness has not been so 
much as it should have been, considering my advan- 
tages — But, to answer my question, I must propose 
others to myself. 

"Do I diligently read the Holy Scriptures? 

"No. 

"Do I habitually revere my mother? 

"No. 

"Do I keep continual watch upon my lips? 

"No! But, oh thou Searcher of hearts, have I not 
made some advancement in this duty? 

" Have I respected in all things the requisitions and 
ordinances of the Church? 

"I have endeavored to be obedient. 

"Have I properly observed the Sabbath and Holy 
Days? 

"What shall I answer? The world would say, 'Tea' 
for me — but, oh God, thou knowest the secrets of the 
heart, to thee I must say — 'JVb.' 

"Have I been industrious in my studies for the 
ministry? 

"Oh here I have been shamefully neglectful — Lord 
Jesus, take from me my indolent disposition ! 

"Do I indulge myself in sinful thoughts? 

" Lord, I thank thee that thy Spirit has often — very 
often — preserved me from pollution. Yet, God, hear 
the intercessions of my Redeemer ! 



44 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

"Have my good or charitable actions been done with 
a view to the glory of God? 

"A few. 

"Do I ever think of trusting to my own works for 
salvation ? 

"Glory be to thee, for thy Spirit hath taught me 
better ! 

"Am I constant in prayer for grace and spiritual 
blessings? 

"I fear the coldness, not the unfrequency, of my de- 
votions will be charged against me. 

"Are God and holy things often in my thoughts? 

"Yes; but will not my condemnation be increased 
by the consideration that I have sinned against such 
great light." 

Then follow earnest supplications and resolutions in 
view of the new year. 

From boyhood to his life's end, William Augustus 
Muhlenberg's evangelical faith and great heart of love 
drew him in Christian brotherliness towards believers 
of every name, and his activity and candor led him 
to know and to appreciate what was being done in the 
great mission of the Gospel to mankind by the relig- 
ious bodies around him; but he was always unfalter- 
ingly and zealously attached to his own communion. 
Bis youthful aspirations breathe ardent desires for her 
advancement, and for her adornment with every thing 
conducive to the beauty and interest of the worship. 
Commenting, in his diary, on the remarkable revival 
of religion under Mr. Kemper, which has been named, 



REFORMING. THE ORGAN LOFT. 45 

he adds: "Oh! that it may increase more and more, 
until our church shines forth in her primitive splendor; 
then will all see her excellence." Again: "I count it 
one of my greatest Christian blessings that I am in 
communion with a church that has no other foundation 
than the apostles and prophets, that preserves in sim- 
plicity the primitive orders, and is descended of a 
mother who is justly styled the Pride of Christendom !" 
This youthful zeal combined with other qualities of his 
mind to make him, from the first, something, of a re- 
former, an instance of which occurs at the very outset 
of his course as a student for the ministry, when he 
brought about, somewhat amusingly, the abolition of 
the office of parish clerk, which at that time, both in 
England and America, was a very ungainly concomi- 
tant of public worship. 

St. James's Philadelphia, was then the church of his 
affections. There he had his first class in Sunday 
school, and that school was one of the first in the 
country. There, too, he had his first singing boys, 
having, at the request of Bishop White, taken the 
direction of the music. He found rather a bad set 
in possession of the "organ loft," and it was on his 
reporting their ill-behavior to the bishop, who was 
also rector, that he received, full power to effect a 
reform. 

The clerk, who had hitherto been supreme, was, natu- 
rally, very jealous of Mr. Muhlenberg's interference, and 
resisted it. At the practising^, as a first step in refor- 
mation, it was arranged that this functionary should 



46 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

simply lead the bass: but when Sunday morning came, 
he took his place at the centre desk and sang out as 
precentor as heretofore, the organist and he understand- 
ing one another, for they were equally opposed to the 
" revolution," as they deemed it. As long as the clerk 
did his old part of leading the responses, and giving 
out the psalm, it was impossible to keep him in the 
necessary subordination ; Mr. Muhlenberg stated this 
difficulty to the bishop, who at once threw himself 
into his young brothers plans. Indeed he was very 
glad of such co-operation in a reform which was be- 
yond his own power; for with regard to the organist 
and singers, the good bishop had often said, " Forty 
years long was I grieved with this generation;" he 
immediately said he would dispense with the clerk's 
leading the responses, and would give out the psalm 
himself. He, at the same time, furnished Mr. Muhl- 
enberg with a written commission, as warrant for 
his action to the clerk. On the strength of this, 
Mr. Muhlenberg went the next Saturday afternoon to 
the organ gallery, and, assisted by his brother, chopped 
away the clerk's desk, and sewed together the cur- 
tains in front of it, thereby reducing the clerk to 
the level of the other singers. The amazement of 
the poor man on Sunday morning, at finding himself 
thus disposed of may be imagined. And who now 
would give out the metre psalm? To the surprise of 
the congregation as well as of the clerk, the bishop, who 
officiated that morning, did it himself; and thencefor- 
ward the rector always gave out the metre psalm in 



A THANKFUL HEART. 47 

St. James's, and soon after in Christ Church and St. 
Peter's also.* 

The removal of the family, at this time, to a house 
of Mrs. Muhlenberg's in Arch Street, seems to have 
been an event of some importance in the life of the 
young student. Their residence on the corner of Mar- 
ket Street had become unpleasant from the numerous 
horses and wagons congregating there, and with the 
joyous, loving thankfulness, which was so strong in 
him, he makes much of the grateful change of neigh- 
borhood, and still more of his kind mother's care and 
pains in fitting up a particular room for his use as a 
study, — his first study, — pouring out his heart in a trib- 
ute of filial gratitude and affection. Ten years later, 
we have incidentally another glance of his inner life, in 
connection with this house. Philadelphia was then no 
longer his home; but having occasion to pass through 

* About twenty-five years ago, the writer happening to be in Phila- 
delphia with Dr. Muhlenberg and his sister, they paid a visit to old 
St. James's, when Dr. Muhlenberg told this story, merrily pointing 
out the scene of his exploit. He had a further anecdote touching the 
office of clerk, which, though the occurrence is later, is in place here. 
"Soon after my ordination," he said, "being in New York, accom- 
panying Bishop White on his way to Hartford for the consecration of 
Bishop Brownell, at an evening party at my sister's, I asked Bishop 
Hobart how he, with his church views, could allow a layman, every 
Sunday, in his presence, to stand up and exhort the people. He 
asked me what I meant. I replied, ' The clerk giving out the psalm 
with the caU to "sing to the praise and glory of God." ' He laughed, 
and I know that not long after the practice was abolished in New 
York also." 



48 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

the city, he revisited the Arch-Street Mansion, and talk- 
ing with himself in his journal, of its memories and 
associations, he adds: "How well I recollect coming 
here alone after church one Sunday afternoon, — just 
before we moved in, — I offered a prayer in every room ; 
nor have those prayers been wholly unanswered." 

In the second year of his divinity studies, by a reso- 
lution of the "Episcopal Society for the Advancement 
of Christianity in the State of Pennsylvania," it was 
required that candidates for orders should read service 
as frequently as possible in the vacant churches of the 
neighborhood. Mr. Muhlenberg hailed his first exer- 
cise of this kind with lively gratification. From his 
earliest years, the goal of his ambition was, to be a 
minister, and this was a tangible step towards it. He 
writes, " Sunday, June, 1816, — This is the first time 
I have been invested with any spiritual office. I read 
a sermon, from Gisborne, on the Love of God, to a con- 
gregation at Radnor Church." In the month of Au- 
gust following, having a license from Bishop White, 
he went to Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, and re- 
mained there over six weeks, founding a church in the 
town of Huntingdon, in that county. He gained the 
affections of the people and was treated with marked 
kindness. " I felt quite like a clergyman," he adds, in 
noting the above facts. 

A further object of interest with him, was the forma- 
tion of an auxiliary Bible society, composed chiefly 
of young men, Mr. Muhlenberg being a manager, and, 
it would seem, treasurer. Bishop White was the presi- 



BISHOP WHITE'S ASSISTANT. 49 

dent of the parent society, — the first Bible society in 
this country. 

His theological course was drawing to a close, and 
new plans were to be formed. It had always been his 
intention, seconded by his mother's wishes, to spend 
some time in Europe, for the benefit of travel and the 
acquisition of the German and French languages, par- 
ticularly the former, of which, on account of his an- 
cestry, he was naturally unwilling to be ignorant. He 
longed especially to visit the cathedrals of, the old 
world, St. Paul's having been one of the visions of his 
boyhood. He mentioned to Bishop White his purpose 
to go abroad for a time and asked him whether it ought 
to be before his ordination or after. The Bishop told 
him it should by all means be before; but then went 
on to say he had been hoping his ordination would take 
place speedily, since the vestry, for some time past, had 
wished to appoint a young man to assist him in the 
parochial duties of the rectorship, and he had been 
thinking of him for the place. Bishop White's assist- 
ant ! He was overwhelmed at the mention of so great 
an honor. There was not a moment's hesitation. The 
thought of going to Europe vanished at once, and he 
hastened home to his mother with the good news,.who 
was no less filled with joy than himself. Mrs. Muhlen- 
berg, had, a little before this, become a communicant 
of the Episcopal Church, attributing her revived inter- 
est in religion to Mr. Kemper's preaching, and not less, 
perhaps, to the influence of her eldest son. She had 
been confirmed in the Lutheran Church, in her youth, 
4 



50 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

and the rite, in accordance with Bishop White's prac- 
tice, was not repeated.* It is a curious fact that Bishop 
White himself was never confirmed.! 

Mr. Muhlenberg now prepared himself, with double 
diligence, for deacon's orders, which he received at the 
earliest age permitted by the church. He attained his 
twenty-first year on the 16th of September, 1817, and 
two days after, September 18th, it being the sixteenth 
Sunday after Trinity, he was ordained by Bishop White, 
in St. Peters Church, in company with Mr. Richard M. 
Mason, formerly one of his classmates in Dr. Aber- 
crombie's academy. On the afternoon of that day, he 
preached his first sermon in Christ Church, from the 
text, "Pray without ceasing." He preached twice 
the following Sunday, and soon after was elected 
by the vestry as " assistant, or chaplain, to the rec- 
tor of Christ Church, St. Peter's and St. James's, 
i. e,, to Bishop White." 

* On this point, Dr. Muhlenberg said: "Bishop White, when I was 
with him, would not repeat the confirmation of persons coming into 
onr church who had been confirmed in the Lutheran Church. He 
spoke of those who held to the necessity of doing so, and who nulli- 
fied all non-Episcopal ordination, as Xew Lights." — Evangelical Catholic 
Papers, First Series, note to p. 362. 

f In the Evangelical Catholic of Oct., 1852, Dr. 3£uhlenberg, after 
mentioning some opposite opinions on this point, in two of the peri- 
odicals of the time, says: "As neither has positive information in the 
case, and we happen to have, we may as well state the fact. We recol- 
lect distinctly Bishop White's telling us that he was never confirmed, 
and his adding, moreover, that the English bishops were not in the 
practice of confirming those who came over from this country for 
ordination." 



EXTREME DIFFIDENCE. 51 

The venerable bishop and his youthful chaplain were 
well suited to each other. Mr. Muhlenberg complained 
in these days of an "unconquerable timidity'' in the 
exercise of his public duties, rather it was that delicate 
sensibility and retiring shyness, which, through life, 
lent so great a charm to his originality and inclepen 
dence of mind. But this grace was sometimes a little 
troublesome to its possessor, particularly in the earlier 
part of his ministry. A tradition has come down 
(through the family concerned in the circumstances) 
of his exceeding diffidence when called upon for the 
first time to baptize an infant. It was in St. Peter's 
Church, a day or two after his ordination. His coun- 
tenance suffused, his whole manner became embar- 
rassed, and he earnestly requested Bishop White, who 
was present, to administer the rite for him. But the 
good bishop would have his young brother make a 
be£nnnhm\ and did not yield. 

DO' v 

A story of another kind is told of the first confirma- 
tion which he attended as bishop's chaplain. YvTiile 
the right reverend father was "laying hands" on a 
chancelful of young people, an excited lady rushed 
up. exclaiming in a loud whisper, " Mr. Muhlenberg ! 
Mr. Muhlenberg ! He said she ! the bishop said she ! n 
"Move him to the end of the row,'" was the quiet 
rejoinder. The bishop had made a mistake in the 
gender of the catechumen, the lady's son, but by this 
ready expedient all was made right when the round 
of the chancel was completed. 

Bishop White was himself a pattern of saintly hu- 



52 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG, 

mility, instances of which Mr. Muhlenberg took pleas- 
ure in relating. One of them is in point here. On the 
first Sunday of his officiating as assistant, the bishop 
preached in the morning, and he read prayers, which 
latter service was of course understood to be espe- 
cially the deacon's office. In the afternoon when Mr. 
Muhlenberg was to preach, the bishop put on the 
surplice to read prayers. Mr. M. reminded him, that 
to read prayers was his duty as the assistant. The 
bishop replied, "You read for me this morning, and I 
read for you this afternoon." The young deacon remon- 
strated, begging him for appearance' sake in the eyes 
of the congregation to allow him to take his place in 
the desk ; but he would not, and walked out of the ves- 
try saying pleasantly, "Turn about is all fair." "Turn 
about ! " said Mr. Muhlenberg, in telling the story — 
"turn about between the Patriarch of the Church, then 
past seventy, and a boy honored with the appointment 
of chaplain to him ! " The vestry very naturally object- 
ed to this arrangement, saying that the assistant ought 
always to read prayers, and laughing as at " Bishop 
MiMeiiberg and Mr. White" but the bishop replied that 
he was quite strong enough for the duty of reading 
prayers, which he by no means considered an inferior 
one. Eventually, however, he yielded to what was 
thought right in the matter. On another occasion the 
bishop apologized to Mr. Muhlenberg for asking Bishop 
Moore, then on a visit to him, to preach in his turn. 
The good bishop habitually avoided speaking in the 
first person in his sermons and addresses, and to avoid 



AVERSION TO HIGH PULPITS. 53 

an " ego " would sometimes use so much circumlocution 
as to impair the clearness of a sentence. One more an- 
ecdote in this connection is worth repeating. One day 
when Mr. Muhlenberg was in his company, a third per- 
son entered and related at length a story of shameful 
wrong-doing on the part of a clergyman well known as 
opposed to Bishop White on church questions. The 
bishop listened with grieved look and in utter silence, 
and when the narrator ceased, immediately introduced 
another topic of discourse. 

The three years of Mr. Muhlenberg's diaconate were 
well filled with work. Preaching was not an onerous 
duty, alternating as he did with the bishop, and each 
sermon besides serving for the three churches.* These 
early sermons were practical rather than doctrinal; 
they were plain, evangelical discourses. Speaking of 
this period of his ministry, he said: "I always aimed 
to be understood by my hearers, and I think I never 
preached beyond my own experience. Whether this 
was right or wrong, I do not say; but such was the 
fact." He greatly disliked what he called "the preach- 
ing tubs" of those days, feeling ill at ease in them; 

* " The rector and the assistant-minister of Christ Church, St. Pe- 
ter's and St. James's Church, were the same; and it is not easy to 
discover that any one of them officiated entirely at any one of these 
churches. Bishop White was rector during all the period. Rev. Rob- 
ert Blackwell, Rev. James Abercrombie, Bev. Jackson Kemper, Rev. 
James Milnor, Rev. William A. Muhlenberg, and Rev. William H. 
Delancey, were his assistants, they preaching interchangeably at St. 
James's and the other churches." — History of Philadelphia, by Thomp- 
son Wescott. 



54 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

and throughout life, never overcame a nervous timor- 
ousness in high pulpits, always preaching from the 
desk when he could. 

The Sunday schools of the parish were an espe- 
cial object of his care, particularly that of St, James's, 
which he had organized himself. He was the means 
also of forming a Sunday school society that became 
the basis of the present Protestant Episcopal Sunday 
School Union; his creating and vitalizing energy in 
the Church thus beginning with his earliest exercise 
of her ministry. The celebration of the first anniver- 
sary of the society when all the children of the three 
churches met at St. James's was a great occasion. 

He paid much attention to the music at St. James's, 
the immediate charge of which he was able to retain 
through the agency of his brother. He formed a choir 
there and published a collection of chants for their use. 
He longed to do more than was in his power for the 
appropriate observance of the Church Year; and in his 
diary of this date laments the general neglect of Good 
Friday. "The church was open for service," he writes, 
"and there was a moderate attendance; but the ser- 
mon of him who preached was quite a general one, 
without the slightest allusion to the Day. The anni- 
versary of our country's independence is punctiliously 
observed, — should the day whereon we were redeemed 
from the slavery of sin pass thus unheeded by ? Would 
that • it were devoutly observed by Christians of every 
name ! " 

He found himself very much in demand by some 



A CALL TO LANCASTER, 55 

of the good ladies of the parish, particularly of one or 
two who became warmly attached to him, visiting the 
sick and poor with them, and helping them in works 
of charity generally. A large amount of this sort of 
duty, and also of baptisms and funerals, seems to have 
devolved upon the young deacon, and his memoranda 
of these labors are often both characteristic and pro- 
phetic, showing thus early the germs whence sprang, 
in after years, so much noble fruit. Closing a notice 
of one of his experiences, a sad tale of penury and 
bereavement with not a place where the poor people 
might lay their dead, he sighs almost audibly: "How 
I wish some plan could be brought about so that the 
poor might not be excluded from our churches and bur- 
ial-grounds." From the beginning, he attached great 
importance to parochial visiting, and laid down a plan 
for himself which he hoped would secure his acquaint- 
ance with every parishioner. But the complex nature 
of the parish in the union of the three churches, and 
the extended duties devolving upon him through this, 
prevented the satisfactory accomplishment of his aim. 
On the 22d of October, 1820, he was admitted to 
the priesthood by Bishop White, in Christ Church, 
having completed his twenty-fourth year the Septem- 
ber previous. Shortly after this event, he accompanied 
the bishop to Lancaster, Pa., for the consecration of a. 
new church there, St. James's. The ceremony took 
place on a Sunday, and, in the afternoon of the same 
day, Mr. Muhlenberg preached. His sermon gave so 
much satisfaction that he was immediately invited to 



56 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

the rectorship of the parish, or rather to three fourths 
of it, every fourth Sunday being reserved for the old 
minister, and on that Sunday the young rector was 
to preach at Pequa, in the same county. 

The bishop at once advised an acceptance of the 
call. This was a little piece of strategy of the good 
bishop's, for he had no idea of parting with his chap- 
lain. On the contrary, he thought to make use of the 
circumstance to render Mr. Muhlenberg's engagement 
as his assistant a permanent one, instead of leaving it 
subject to an annual election as it then was. He knew 
the esteem in which the young minister ^as held, and 
did not dream of his resignation being allowed to take 
effect. In this he was sorely disappointed. Mr. Muhl- 
enberg accepted the call to St. James's, Lancaster, and 
the vestry let him go; for reasons, however, indepen- 
dent of any personal consideration, but connected with 
a policy of their own. 

Mr. Muhlenberg, for his part, was well content with 
this result. Much as he regretted leaving Bishop 
White, he was not satisfied with his work in the 
united churches, and, further, had begun to desire an 
independent pastoral charge. 

His official severance from his venerated friend, did 
not terminate their affectionate intercourse, as evi- 
denced by autograph letters of the bishop's, as far 
down as the year 1831. Mr. Muhlenberg had won his 
kindest regard and retained it. The letters alluded to 
are not of any general interest. The subjoined copy 
of a note addressed to Mr. M. in the second year of 



BISHOP WHITE'S FRIENDSHIP. 57 

his charge at Lancaster is characteristic of the rest 
of the correspondence and of the bishop's old-fashioned 
style which he never relinquished 

Pha., March 5, 1822. 
Eetd. and Dear Sib: — Your Brother informed some of my Pamily 
that you propofe to be in this City y e Beginning of next Week. I 
prefume you will come furniihed with what a certain clerical Brother 
compared to a Highway-man's Piftol. But that y e Piftol may be of 
y e proper Metal, I judged it expedient to inform you that we have ap- 
pointed, Sunday y e 17th, for Sermons in Behalf of our Sunday-School 
Society. I remain yours a£fy» 

Wac \Yhite. 
To Eeyd. Wat. A. Muheesbebg. 



CHAPTER V. 

1820-1824. 

Religion and Learning in Lancaster. — Apathy of the People. — Mr. Muhl- 
enberg's Activity. — Forms a Sunday School. — Interest in Public 
Education. — Obtains Passage of Bill through Legislature. — Large 
School-house Erected. — Personal Devotion to this School. — Improves 
the Monitorial System. — Other efforts for Enlightenment of the 
Town. — The Special General Convention, 1821. — Plea for Christian 
Hymns. — Effort in another Direction. — Church Poetry. — Hymn Com- 
mittee Appointed at General Convention, 1823. — Mr. Muhlenberg a 
Member. — Faithful Pastoral Labors. — Extracts from Parish Notes. 

Religion and learning were at a low ebb in the city 
of Lancaster, Pa., when Mr. Muhlenberg entered upon 
his cure there. This was on the 2d of December, 1820. 
In his church on the Christmas Day following there 
were but fifteen communicants. The parish had fallen 
into decay through having service but once in every 
four Sundays, and this by a rather superannuated cler- 
gyman, and Sunday school there was none ; though for 
some time past a union school had been in operation, 
composed of all the English-speaking denominations of 
the place, among the teachers of which were members 
of St. James's Church. 

Public education seemed to be as little in advance as 
that of the church, and an indifference existed in this 



THE SUNDAY SCHOOL. 59 

regard which at once roused Mr. Muhlenberg. "The 
apathy on the subject of education which prevails in 
this place," he wrote soon after his arrival, "is fearful. 
I hope a better day is dawning. Happy shall I be if I 
am at all instrumental in its progress." 

The story of his efforts to this end is worth giving 
somewhat in detail. He was not without his troubles 
in making the working of his church more efficient, 
but his energy and perseverance overcame them all. 
His earliest step was to form a Sunday school of his 
own, naturally regarding that as a very important part 
of a pastor's charge. He immediately brought about 
the erection of a house for the purpose, and some who 
had been his warm friends took offence at this, think- 
ing the measure precipitate. They were hard to move 
from their old sleepy ways. As soon as the Episcopal 
school-house was opened, those teachers who were 
members of St. James's of course withdrew from the 
union to teach in their own Sunday school. Their 
withdrawal was another offence. It was looked upon 
as a sectarian measure and of aristocratic character, 
the comparatively few Episcopalians of Lancaster being 
of the upper classes. But the school was quickly filled 
with children who flocked to it from all quarters, and 
particularly from the Lutheran Church, where, as yet, 
there was no English Sunday school. It soon num- 
bered a hundred children in each division, i. e., of boys 
and girls severally, with a body of excellent teachers, 
and continued a very flourishing school throughout Mr, 
Muhlenberg's incumbency. His own personality was 



60 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

the life and soul of it. There are those who at this 
day, after more than fifty years, love to tell of the 
charm of that school, or rather of its devoted rector. 
One of these, now a bishop of the Church,* who was a 
Sunday scholar there when six or seven years of age, 
and later one of his beloved college sons, has never lost 
the impression then made upon him. The bishop rec- 
ollects looking up to the young pastor's face as he was 
officiating at a funeral, and saying to himself, "How 
beautiful he is!" He tells also of going in common 
w r ith other little ones of the congregation to Mr. Muhl- 
enberg's study, where, after counsels suited to their 
tender age, they were sometimes regaled with fruit 
from the spreading boughs of a tree in the garden be- 
low, which the pastor ingeniously contrived to reach 
for them by means of a long stick with a hook and 
open-mouthed bag at the end of it. 

But the two hundred children of this Sunday school 
were a small proportion of the young of Lancaster who 
had reason to regard Mr. Muhlenberg as their best 
friend. In his labors for the public education of the 
place, he was the source of a far wider benefit. During 
his diaconate in Philadelphia, he had been elected a 
director of the public schools in that city, which were 
then conducted on the Lancasterian, or monitorial, sys- 
tem. He became much interested in that system, and 
was not long in Lancaster before he took measures for 
introducing it there. He obtained the passage of a bill 

* Bishop Kerfoot of Pittsburg. 



PUBLIC EDUCATION. 61 

through, the legislature, making the city of Lancaster 
the second public school district in the state, Philadel- 
phia being the first. This was done with his usual un- 
obtrusiveness and did not attract much attention, but 
after the bill was passed and a large school-house began 
to be erected from the public funds, the German resi- 
dents took alarm, and remonstrated against the legis- 
lation as unjust, since only the English language would 
be taught in the school. They were too late. The 
school-house was completed, costing from nine to ten 
thousand dollars, and accommodating some six hundred 
children. 

Mr. Muhlenberg was the youngest member of the 
Board of Directors, but, as the originator of the school, 
its working was left very much with himself. He in- 
directly obtained the appointment of a candidate for 
orders in the Episcopal Church as principal, and as the 
prayers, Scripture reading, and hymn singing were a 
daily exercise, many of the scholars were drawn to the 
church Sunday school, the head being the same in both. 
Mr. Muhlenberg visited this public school constantly, 
instructing the teachers himself, and taking as much 
interest in it as if it had been a work of his own. He 
introduced an important change in the Lancasterian 
method. The monitors according to that system were 
taken from the body of the scholars and remained on 
an equality with them; Mr. Muhlenberg selected a 
number of the older and more exemplary boys and 
girls to compose a class of monitors, who received in- 
struction by themselves, and held a higher rank in the 



62 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

school than the other children. It was the care of this 
public school which, interesting him increasingly in 
Christian education, led him, at this time, to regard 
that as likely to be the chief vocation of his ministry, 
He took two of the boy monitors of the school to live 
under his own roof, and these became two of the first 
tutors in the Institute at Flushing. 

Another beneficent work was greatly furthered if not 
actually originated by him. Unlike almost every other 
city of equal size in the Union, there was no public 
library of any kind in Lancaster, and the young me- 
chanics and apprentices of the town w T ere in a state 
of great mental as well as moral indigence. In the 
spring following his advent, we find a meeting of the 
citizens called to form " A Public and Apprentices' 
Library." Very few attended, but a committee was 
appointed to draft the Constitution of the Library, 
and Mr. Muhlenberg was made its Chairman. A lit- 
tle later, this Library Committee met in his study 
on the question of founding an Athseneum. 

Christian hymnody became, at this time, a subject of 
great interest to him. There were then only fifty-six 
hymns in the Prayer Book, and the metre singing was 
confined almost entirely to Tate and Brady's crude ver- 
sion of the Psalms. This poverty of our worship he set 
forth in a tract entitled "A Plea for Christian Hymns," 
which he addressed to a friend in the Special General 
Convention, meeting in Philadelphia in 1821.* Event- 

* ''The next General Convention, being special, was keld in 1821, 
in St. Peter's Church, in the city of Philadelphia, from October 30 to 



PLEA FOR CHRISTIAN HYMNS. 63 

ually this paper accomplished its mission, but Mr. 
Muhlenberg was much disappointed that at the time 
it gave rise to no action. It was characteristic of his 
perseverance and of the tenacity with which he held 
to an idea he knew to be right, that he prosecuted 
his object in another direction. He prepared a selec- 
tion of Metre Psalms and Hymns from various authors, 
which he entitled, " Church Poetry," and put the vol- 
ume into use in his own congregation. It was quickly 
adopted by several other pastors, in different parts of 
the country, who agreed with Mr. Muhlenberg that in 
the use of hymns the clergy w^ere free. In this opinion 
they were sustained by Bishop White. .Mr. Muhlen- 
berg obtained permission to express the bishop's sen- 
timents on the subject in an article that he published 
in one of the periodicals of the day, and which thus 
brought the matter into wider notice and gave rise 

November 3, inclusive. The bishops present were Bishop White, of 
Pennsylvania, presiding bishop; Bishop Hobart, of New York; Bishop 
Griswold, of the Eastern Diocese; Bishop Kemp, of Maryland; Bishop 

Croes, of New Jersey; and Bishop Brownell, of Connecticut 

The Eev. Yv T illiam Augustus Muhlenberg was Secretary of the House 
of Bishops. 

"The Convention assembled on the call of the presiding bishop, 
induced by the desire of the trustees of the Theological Seminary, 
to consider whether any, or what, measures should be adopted, for 
the obtaining of a legacy of about sixty thousand dollars, bequeathed 
by Jacob Sherred, of the city of New York, to a Seminary which 
should be instituted within the state, either by the General Con- 
vention or by that of the diocese in which the testator lived and 
died " — Bishop White's Memoirs of the Prot Epis. Church. 



64: WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG, 

to the remark at the next General Convention (1823) 
that "it was high time the church acted in the matter, 
for if not, the clergy would take it into their own 
hands." Mr. Muhlenberg, who was a member of that 
convention, then became one of a committee appointed 
on the subject of Psalms and Hymns. The conclusion 
of this history belongs to a subsequent chapter.* 

These labors in behalf of public education and hym- 
nody, while reaching far beyond Mr. Muhlenberg's own 
flock, were in the first instance suggested by their 
needs and earnestly applied to their particular moral 
and religious improvement. His fidelity as a pastor 
to the humblest parochial duty, and his deep, unfeigned 
concern for the salvation of the souls given to his care, 
appear very interestingly in every page of his parish 
notes of this date. For the sake of the insight they 
afford into this part of his life, we extract a few of the 
more general of these private memoranda: 

. . . . " Spent the morning in visiting several 
of the poorest members of the church — am convinced 
that much more can be done, in this way, out of the 
pulpit than in it — Spoke with more ease and freedom 
than last week — I thank God for it, and pray he will 
give me necessary utterance.' ' 

. . . . "Procured Allein's Alarm and Baxter's 
Call — I wash I could preach more in the manner of 
these writers — God alone knows how I agonize in 
prayer to be useful." 

* See page 83 



PARISH NOTES. 65 

Sunday. "'Rose at six. Looked over sermon — Sun- 
day school at eight. Preached in the morning on Bap- 
tism, and administered the ordinance to ■ and to 

. The former I think was qualified, but the other 

was so unsociable and dull that, although I could not 
refuse her the sacrament, she desiring it, I was not as 
well satisfied as I wished — Afternoon at the Sunday 
school — attendance 176 — Evening preached an old Ser- 
mon, 'Unto you that believe' — This w T as laziness — 
I had no excuse for not writing a new one. ,, * 

Another Sunday. " Confirmation, seventeen candi- 
dates. The bishop gave too little notice, or I could 
have done better. Might have had a larger number, 
but discouraged some who did not regard the rite seri- 
ously. It is too often looked at as a ceremony of the 
Episcopal Church, proper to go through with, instead 
of a public profession of religion." 

After a Sunday ivell filled with work. "Holy Spirit, 
descend and bless the labors of this day — If I am con- 
vinced of any religious truth it is that without divine 
grace our labors for our own salvation or that of others 
are altogether vain." 

. . . . "Was called up at three a. m. to see a man 
who thought himself dying. He was much alarmed — 
had no clear ideas of the Gospel. Strove to show him 
the necessity of repentance towards God and faith in 
our Lord Jesus Christ. He was too much frightened 
to be edified — Called to see him again after breakfast — 
4 Oh ! can't you give me some consolation ? ' he cried. 
How painful were those words to me — How would my 
5 



66 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

natural feelings prompt me to set before him all the 
glories of heaven. I went as far as I could, knowing 
that he had not led a Christian life." 

. . . . "Mrs. 's little daughter is dead. Found 

the poor mother in an agony of grief — Tried to ad- 
minister religious consolation, but when the loss is so 
fresh the sufferer refuses comfort. The child w-as her 
idol, she says. I'm pleased that she recognizes the 
hand of God in its removal." 

.... "Mr. told me that " (an influ- 
ential member of the parish) " was displeased with my 
using an extempore prayer after my sermons. But I 
am decided to continue it. I think it edifying, and it 
serves to impress the sermon on the mind." 

. . . . "Was delighted this afternoon by two 
of my Sunday-school teachers desiring me to hold a 
prayer-meeting in the school-house. They are much 
impressed, and tell me that among their fellow-appren- 
tices there is a spreading concern for their souls. I 
promised to give the subject serious attention. I know 
how prayer-meetings are often abused, but when con- 
ducted properly they may become nurseries of the 
church. In this matter one must endeavor to take 
the medium between enthusiasm and formality. 
Young converts' weaknesses are so closely intertwined 
with their pious feelings that the former must be in- 
dulged for the sake of cherishing the latter. If, with 
a rude hand, we proceed to root up the tares, Ave may 
spoil many a fine blade of wheat that would have 
ripened, and borne fruit abundantly. — Lord, I pray for 



ENCO URA GEMENT. 67 

thy direction ! My heart is indeed refreshed at the 
prospect of a revival of religion in this place where its 
influence is so little felt." 

Some time later. "Two young brothers, and 

, of the prayer-meeting, came by my request to my 

study. I wished an opportunity to talk with and advise 
them on the present state of their minds. "While I en- 
couraged their serious feelings, I tried to make them 
distinguish between mere feeling and sober religion. I 
warned them against Spiritual Pride, and against Cen- 
soriousness, that common failing of young converts. I 
showed them the danger of zeal without knowledge, 
and urged upon them a diligent attention to the study 
of the Holy Scriptures, and to prayer. I recommended 
them, in conversing with their companions, to speak 
little of their own feelings, and more of the practical 
duties of the Christian. I solemnly cautioned them to 
look for the evidence of their conversion only in the 
right state of their hearts and lives, and concluded with 
prayer to Gocl, in their behalf. They are young men 
of rather weak minds, and mistake too much animal 
feeling for real godliness. But Piety, in this soil, is so 
rare a flower that I am disposed to nourish and water 
every thing that bears its resemblance, or has any of 
its fragrance." 



CHAPTER VI. 

1824-1826. 

Joy and sorrow. — Resoluteness. — An Occurrence Several Years Later. — 
The Roman Catholic Preacher. — Sentiments Regarding Celibacy. — ■ 
His Journals and Prayers. — "I would not Live Alway." — History of 
the Hymn. — His Dissatisfaction with it. — A Fable Apologetic. — Power 
of Looking at Himself Objectively. — Attempted Emendation of the 
Hymn. — Another in 1876. — Original Version in full. — Why He Wrote 
these Several Versions. — Unexpected Popularity of the Piece. — The 
Attention it drew. — Burdensome Honors. — A Contemporaneous Effu- 
sion. — Might have been a Poet. — Byron and Moore. — Conscious of 
Kindred Power. — A Poet of a Higher Kind. — Musical Gift. — A Rare 
Double Endowment. — Education Prospectively His Vocation. — Resigns 
Charge at Lancaster. — Passage from His Farewell Sermon. 

Most lives have their romance, and the one before 
us was not an exception, of which a separate story 
might here be written, were it to the purpose of these 
pages. Both the light and the shadow of that romance 
fell upon the years of earnest work spent in Lancaster, 
and when Mr. Muhlenberg gave up his charge there, 
he left behind him the grave of his earthly hopes. 

As illustrating a strong element in his character, 
we make a single extract from his private diary in 
this connection. He had incurred the displeasure of 
a gentleman whose favor, at the time, was of im- 
portance to him, by instituting an evening service; 
after reviewing, for a minute or two, the advantages 



"GOD MUST HAVE IT ALL." 69 

he would be likely to gain by some concessions in this 
particular, he adds: "But for no earthly consideration 
whatever, not even the attainment of the dear object of 
my heart, will I sacrifice what I believe to be the in- 
terests of my church. Lord, help me ! " 

He never formed a second attachment. Several years 
after the time of which we now speak, his friends be- 
came anxious for his alliance with a lady of very suit- 
able connection, who was known to have a predilection 
for him. He called once or twice upon her, and en- 
gaged on a certain Sunday to escort her to morning 
service. On his way to keep the appointment, he 
passed a Roman Catholic church, and stepping in for 
a moment, these words of the preacher fell upon his 
ear: "We have but one heart; if we had two hearts, 
we might give one to God and the other to this world; 
having but one, God must have it all." "Amen !" said 
William Augustus Muhlenberg's inmost soul; "Fare- 
well, ," and he neither took the lady to church 

nor sent her the book she had asked to borrow of him. 
His visits had been those of an acquaintance only, and 
he was free to excuse himself. 

Not to be misleading, however, it is a duty to quote 
in this connection, some words of his own bearing upon 
the point before us. "If celibacy," he said, "has been 
the destiny of my life, it was not its programme. I 
never advocated the unmarried state as preferable for 
a clergyman, though in my own case, in the orderings 
of Providence, it has enabled me to do various works 
in the church, which otherwise I might not have under- 



70 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

taken or even have thought of." He believed, indeed, 
and inspired others with the belief, that in all ages 
and in all the parts of Christendom, there have been in- 
dividuals who, from supreme love to God chose to fore- 
go the ordinary ties of earth, remembering our Lord's 
words, "He that is able to receive it, let him receive 
it;" but he condemned entirely the imposition of rules 
to this end upon organizations or classes, either of men 
or women, and always spoke with the strongest rep- 
rehension of the enforced celibacy of the Roman clergy. 
His journals, now and henceforward, throw increas- 
ing light upon the means whereby, through God's 
grace, he reached that spiritual growth which, com- 
bined with his fine natural endowments, made him 
the man he was. These papers are not, by any means, 
a connected record of his life. There are lapses of 
weeks, months, and years in their dates; sometimes 
they are quite fragmentary, but he evidently felt it 
profitable to write them as faithfully as he could ; pri- 
marily for self-improvement, subordinately for the as- 
sistance of memory in other things. At the end of 
every few years, Ave find they have been prayerfully 
reperused, and the date of such exercise marked upon 
them, sometimes with a suggestion of the reflections 
excited. All along, with an affecting simplicity and 
sincerity, their pages breathe an intense desire after 
holiness and usefulness, and show a close self-search- 
ing, a jealous self-discipline, a depth of penitence, and 
persistency of prayer, such as one reads of the church's 
greatest saints. He frequently wrote out at length his 



•«/ WOULD NOT LIVE ALWAYS 71 

private prayers, and it is remembered that in his min- 
istry he sometimes recommended this as a helpful 
spiritual exercise, especially for those who unhappily, 
even in their closets, required a precomposed form. 
"If you must have a form of prayer in private," he 
would say tersely, "write it yourself." 

The first version of his far-famed hymn, " I would 
not live alway," belongs to this period. It is popularly 
believed to have been composed under the loss alluded 
to on a preceding page; but this is a mistake. We 
have his own words to the contrary. "The legend," 
he says, "that it was written upon an occasion of 
private grief, is a fiction." In fact the hymn was 
penned before the event referred to took place. De- 
spite his cheerful temperament, there was in Mr. Muhl- 
enberg, as in all earth's greater souls, a vein of mel- 
ancholy, and this is one of its manifestations, not 
untinged, perhaps, by some forecasting, though un- 
recognized, shadows of the sorrow so commonly asso- 
ciated with it. Later in life, when his growth in Christ 
had advanced far above that to which at this time he 
had attained, — when, borate on the wings of a more 
vigorous faith, he lived habitually in a freer, clearer 
spiritual atmosphere, enjoying what he liked to call 
"the joy of strength and the strength of joy," — he 
greatly faulted this early hymn, as not having a 
healthy Christian tone, and in 1871, nearly fifty years 
after its birth, took it quaintly to task on this score, 
in a very original and charming little paper, entitled 
"A Fable Apologetic." He had a remarkable faculty 



72 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

for looking at himself and his works " objectively," so 
to speak. He could project himself before his own 
mental and moral vision, and approve or condemn 
as dispassionately, it seemed, as if he were judging 
some indifferent party. In the same way, he could 
always put himself wonderfully in the place of any 
one who had injured or opposed him, or whom he 
had accidentally offended, giving the other the full ben- 
efit of every possible excuse or palliation. And this 
he would do, not as constrained by duty, much less 
by any false sentiment, but spontaneously, instinc- 
tively, out of the greatness of his fine candor and gen- 
uine Christian charity. Sometimes in a minor matter, 
he would half-playfully arraign himself, as "Wilhelm 
August Muhlenberg," giving his name its German form 
and pronunciation, and so taking the pros and cons 
of the case. This would be in the presence of very 
intimate friends only, and his singular power of thus 
" objectively " discussing himself would never have 
been brought so publicly to bear upon the composi- 
tion before us, but for its unexpected popularity and 
the consequent sincere desire he felt to make it a bet- 
ter expression of Christian faith and hope. In 1871, in 
connection with the k; Fable Apologetic," already named, 
he tried an emendation of the piece, which he called 
"'I would xot live alway' Eyaxgelized." * But the trem- 
bling hand of age could not sweep the poetic lyre 
with the grace and beauty of youthful vigor, and, 

* T. Whittaker, Publisher, No. 2 Bible House, N. Y. 



PAUL RATHER THAN JOB. 73 

however holier the strain, the evangelized version did 
not take. Not with any. "Be it faulty, as it may," 
people said, "we like the old better." And truly the 
hymn, as it came originally from his own heart and 
mind, with its Christian sentiment clothed in perfect 
imagery and its sweet and musical rhythm, has found 
an echo in too many other hearts, carried joy and con- 
solation to too many mourners, for it not to remain ever 
a glory to him that he wrote it. At the same time 
his riper experience is not to be disregarded and there 
are many sanctified souls who will unite with him in 
saying, as in his later years he loved to do: "Paul's 
desire to ' depart and be with Christ,' is better than 
Job's ' I would not live alway.' " 

In the year 1859, when publishing a little collection 
of his verses for the benefit of St. Luke's Hospital, he 
had made an attempt to correct what he felt to be 
amiss in the original piece by means of a postscript, 
appended to it;* and in 1876, only the year before he 
was taken away from us, he completed still another 
version, which in some respects is the most interesting 
of all.f The verses which now make the 93d hymn of 
the hymnal, formerly the 187th of the Book of Com- 
mon Prayer, are but half of the original poem, which 
was thus condensed to adapt it to the purposes of pub- 
lic worship. The following is the authentic version 
entire and as last revised by himself. 

* See "I would not Live Alway, and Other Verses." A. D. F. Ran- 
dolph, N. Y. 

f See page 480 of this work. 



74 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

I WOULD NOT LIVE ALWAY. 

Job vii. 16. 

I would not live alway — live alway below ! 

Oh no, I'll not linger when bidden to go : 

The days of our pilgrimage granted us here, 

Are enough for life's woes, full enough for its cheer: 

Would I shrink from the path which the prophets of God, 

Apostles, and martyrs, so joyfully trod? 

Like a spirit unblest, o'er the earth would I roam, 

While brethren and friends are all hastening home? 

I would not live alway : I ask not to stay, 
Where storm after storm rises dark o'er the way; 
Where seeking for rest we but hover around, 
Like the patriarch's bird, and no resting is found; 
Where Hope when she paints her gay bow in the ail, 
Leaves its brilliance to fade in the night of despair, 
And joy's fleeting angel ne'er sheds a glad ray, 
Save the gleam of the plumage that bears him away. 

I would not live alway — thus fettered by sin, 
Temptation without and corruption within; 
In a moment of strength if I sever the chain, 
Scarce the victory's mine, ere I'm captive again; 
E'en the rapture of pardon is mingled with fears, 
And the cup of thanksgiving with penitent tears: 
The festival trump calls for jubilant songs, 
But my spirit her own miserere prolongs. 

I would not live alway — no, welcome the tomb, 
Since Jesus hath lain there I dread not its gloom; 
Where he deigned to sleep, I'll too bow my head, 
All peaceful to slumber on that hallowed bed. 
Then the glorious daybreak, to follow that night, 
> The orient gleam of the angels of light, 

With their clarion call for the sleepers to rise 
And chant forth their matins, away to the skies. 



FAME. 75 

Who, who would live alway? away from his God, 

Away from yon heaven, that blissful abode 

Where the rivers of pleasure flow o'er the bright plains, 

And the noontide of glory eternally reigns; 

Where the saints of all ages, in harmony meet 

Their Saviour and brethren, transported to greet, 

While the songs of salvation exultingly roll 

And the smile of the Lord is the feast of the soul. 

That heavenly musick ! what is it I hear ? 

The notes of the harpers ring sweet in mine ear ! 

And see, soft unfolding those portals of gold, 

The King all arrayed in his beauty behold ! 

Oh give me, oh give me, the wings of a dove 

To adore him — be near him — enrapt with his love; 

I but wait for the summons, I list for the word — 

Alleluia — Amen — evermore with the Lord. 

One must appreciate the amount of attention which 
"I would not live alway" attracted to its author, and 
particularly during the last twenty years of his life, 
to exonerate him, as is entirely due, of any thing like 
egotism in putting forth these various versions of it. 
It was, as already intimated, his genuine surprise at 
finding people make so much of the hymn which moved 
him to these endeavors to render it worthier of their 
attention. The kind of notice it drew towards him 
was sometimes amusing, occasionally a little trouble- ' 
some. Persons would call upon him, to the interrup- 
tion of some serious business, "Just," as they said, "for 
the purpose of shaking hands with the author of { I 
would not live alway,' " or beset him for his autograph 
with a line of his "immortal hymn"; or again, acci- 
dentally catching his name as they passed him, exclaim, 



76 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

" Have I the honor to speak to the author of ' 1 would 
not live alway'?" Both his humility and his pride 
rather rebelled against these demonstrations: his hu- 
mility in that he did not think himself worthy of any 
such notice; and his pride, because so much more was 
made of this one production than of all his other labors 
collectively. " One would think that hymn the one work 
of my life," he would sometimes say rather grimly. 

There is another beautiful little effusion, written in 
1824, in the same year with the original "I would 
not live alway," which is not too long for insertion 
here. We give it as a good example of his style — 

SINCE O'ER THY FOOTSTOOL. 

Since o'er thy footstool here below, 

Such radiant gems are strown, 
Oh, what magnificence must glow, 

My God, about thy throne ! 
So brilliant here these drops of light, 

There the full vision rolls, how bright ! 

If night's blue curtain of the sky, 

With thousand stars inwrought, 
Hung like a royal canopy 

With glittering diamonds fraught, 
Be, Lord, thy temple's outer veil, 
. What splendor at the shrine must dwell ! 

The dazzling sun, at noontide hour, 

Forth from his flaming vase, 
Flingling o'er earth the golden shower, 

Till vale and mountain blaze, 
But shows, O Lord, one beam of thine, 

What, then, the day where thou dost shine ! 



A RARE TWIN GIFT. 77 

Ah ! how shall these dim eves endure 

That noon of living rays, 
Or, how my spirit so impure 

Upon thy brightness gaze? 
Anoint, O Lord, anoint my sight, 

And robe me for that world of light 

Thus he might have been a poet, had he surrendered 
himself to that one thing. At the time of his writing 
the two pieces just noticed, Byron and Moore were 
coming into fame. He read their works, and felt that 
he possessed a kindred power. " I could write, too," he 
said to himself. He was full of musical numbers and 
threw off verse with much facility ; but his sacred office 
was too dear and absorbing, and the works to which 
his consecrated genius prompted him too laborious, to 
admit of any close application to merely literary pur- 
suits. Hence, while of a highly poetic nature and of 
exquisite taste, he has not left us any productions of 
the first order as to the Poetry of Letters. Yet he was 
a heaven-born poet withal, in the essential meaning of 
the word, for " God's own prophets are his poets, un- 
der-makers," and he had "the vision and the faculty 
divine," inspiring him to create beautiful and endur- 
ing forms, in beneficent works and in habitual love- 
liness of gracious deeds, "more strong than all poetic 
thought." 

One very rare gift he pre-eminently possessed: that 
of making, not only songs and hymns, but the appro- 
priate melodies for singing them., of which instances 
will appear further on. It was with his musical as 



78 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

with his poetical endowments, he had both taste and 
talent, and produced, with much ease, numerous chants 
and airs, as he wanted them; but the exercise of this 
gift was simply an accident in his occupied life, or a 
chance refreshment by the way. 

He had been now five years and a half in Lancaster 
— years admirably filled with useful and durable labors. 
Every year had strengthened his impression that Chris- 
tian education was to be his principal work, and im- 
pelled by this idea, as well as by other considerations, 
unnecessary to relate, in the summer of 1826, he ten- 
dered a resignation of his charge. It was not, at first, 
accepted, the vestry requesting him to reconsider it. 
This he declined, and took leave of them about the 
middle of July, overwhelmed with the regrets of the 
people. The following is a passage from his farewell 
sermon: "Let the harmony continue which has existed 
between yourselves and your brethren of other denom- 
inations. Hitherto it has gone on delightfully. May 
it not be interrupted. Why should Christians quarrel 
about the little points in which they differ, instead of 
loving each other for the great ones wherein they 
agree ? They all profess to be on the road to heaven, 
strange that they should go fighting along the way. 
If we are children of the same Father, travelling tow- 
ard the same home, and hoping to sit down, at last, to 
the same banquet, let us 'love as brethren.' " 



CHAPTER VII. 

1826-1828. 

Christian Schools Essential to the Commonwealth. — Originator of their 
Type. — Eventful Sunday at Flushing. — His Hymns of this Date. — The 
Hymn Committee. — Association with Dr. H. U. Onderdonk. — Con- 
vention of 1826. — The Hymns Passed. — Absence of Party Feeling. — A 
Dinner-Table Talk. — Taken at his Word. — The Flushing Institute. — 
Exhilarating Effect of a New Project. — Life -Long Fertility in Plans of 
Beneficence. — Searching the Ground of his Undertaking. — Opposition 
of Family. — His Mother's Fears. — A Portraiture. — The Reward he 
sought. — Visits Lancaster. — Dr. H. U. Onderdonk chosen for Assistant 
Bishop of Pennsylvania. — Carries the Tidings to the Bishop Elect. 

It was not simply literary taste and a benevolent 
affection for youth that prompted Mr. Muhlenberg to 
give up so large a part of his life to education. He 
was a Christian philanthropist and patriot, as well as 
a fervent minister of the Gospel, and all through his 
labors in Lancaster the conviction had grown upon 
him, that not only the hope of the Church, but the 
salvation of the commonwealth, centred in the Chris- 
tianizing of education. He saw in this the only safe- 
guard of the State ; the only security that the liberty of 
our free institutions would not become licentiousness. 
And so he conceived of Christian schools throughout 
the land which should substitute as nearly as possible 
Christian homes, for the proper training of the young. 



80 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

This conception for his own part, was beautified with 
all the many-hued colorings of his peculiar gifts and 
graces, and it became his heart's desire to give it sub- 
stantial form. He would surrender himself person and 
fortune to its realization. He would have for his as- 
sistance in the work, men like-minded with himself, 
whose views of education had "not been formed in the 
shops where it is vended as an article of trade," but, 
looking upon it as a sacred calling, would consecrate 
themselves to it on the highest and holiest principles. 
It was for him to train such, as he did most effectually. 
And he saw in his own church peculiar capabilities for 
the work. He felt that "in her catholic faith, in her 
venerable rites and chastened forms, in her enlightened 
reverence for antiquity, in her habits of subordination, 
and in her love of genuine Protestant liberty, she pre- 
sented the form of Christianity which eminently qual- 
ified her for moulding the character of the young, and 
in these days of reckless innovations, for training the 
Christian citizen." 

Entranced with the picture in his mind, as he always 
was while revolving and shaping a new idea, he yet 
stood, as was also his wont, waiting God's will for an 
opening with the simplicity of a little child, ready to go 
where it was sent and do what it was bidden. He was 
always a watchful observer of the indications of Provi- 
dence, and perhaps his hallowed genius, in these cases, 
showed itself almost as much in his quick perception 
and use of opportunities with regard to time, place, 
and people, as in the original thought of the work. So 



DR. MILNOR'S STUDY. 81 

where, or when, he should begin the projected school 
was undetermined; but solid learning as well as solid 
Christian morals was to distinguish it, and that he 
might be the better qualified in all respects for its in- 
auguration, he determined, now that he was free from 
any pastoral charge, to make the long-promised visit 
to Europe for the observation of the institutions of the 
old world. 

There. was no seminary in the United States, at that 
time, which combined thorough scholastic training with 
a high order of Christian nurture ; no Harrow or Marl- 
borough or Eugby. And if there had been any thing 
analogous to those great public schools of England, — 
even a Eugby with its Arnold, — it would not have em- 
bodied his ideal. It was for him to originate the type, 
which in the course of the last fifty years has been re- 
produced, with more or less of variation, in the many 
church schools for the education of both sexes which 
have grown up over the land. 

He decided upon the voyage, and leaving Lancaster, 
went to New York to spend a few days with his moth- 
er and sister previous to embarking. Tidings reached 
him there that his brother, who had been abroad for 
two years, was on the point of returning, and wishing 
to see him before he sailed, he postponed his depart- 
ure for three or four weeks. While waiting for his 
brother's arrival, he happened one Saturday to be in 
the study of the Eev. Dr. Milnor, when a gentleman 
from Flushing entered and asked the doctor if he could 
not recommend him a supply for their vacant pulpit on 
6 



82 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

the morrow. The doctor knew of no one, but, turning 
to Mr. Muhlenberg, said, "Could not you go?" He 
consented, and thus unwittingly took the first step 
towards a more speedy realization of his educational 
plan than he had contemplated, and towards eighteen 
years of pre-eminent devotion to it, in that locality. 
He preached (extemporaneously) at St. George's, Flush- 
ing, on the Sunday; and the next day, was invited to 
the rectorship. At this, he hesitated, but at length 
said he would take charge of the parish for six months, 
if the vestry chose, and not being able to do any better, 
they agreed to this. He still entertained the idea of 
going to Europe, but several considerations combined 
to make so much of delay acceptable to him, particu- 
larly the opportunity thus afforded of more frequent in- 
tercourse with his family, from whom during the last 
six years he had been much separated. 

He went to Flushing towards the end of August or 
beginning of September (1826), being then just thirty 
years of age. The two youths of the monitorial class 
at Lancaster, already mentioned, accompanied him and 
lived with him as his sons. Amid the abundance of 
work which here, as elsewhere, opened up under the 
impulses of his zeal, we find him giving patient lessons 
to these lads in Greek, Latin, algebra, rhetoric, etc., be- 
sides the never-forgotten instruction in the Christian 
life and doctrine, and together with this an attention 
to their pleasure, health, and comfort, altogether pater- 
nal; for instance, one of them having made himself sick 
by too close an application to study, he sat up the 



COMMITTEE ON PSALMS AND HYMNS. 83 

greater part of the night, waiting upon the boy, and 
watching him with all a parent's solicitude. 

Some of the hymns of Mr. Muhlenberg with which 
we have become familiar in the Prayer Book were 
written in the first months of his residence in Flush- 
ing: "Like Noah's weary dove," "Saviour, who thy 
Hock art feeding," and perhaps " Shout the glad tid- 
ings." He was much occupied, at the time, in select- 
ing and arranging material for the " Gommittee on 
Psalms and Hymns," of which he was a member,* and, 
it may be added, the chief worker, and these original 
compositions were inserted in the report. " Shout the 
glad tidings" was written at the especial request of 
Bishop Hobart, who wanted a Christian hymn to the 
tune of " Sound the loud timbrel o'er Egypt's dark 
sea." Mr. Muhlenberg's " Plea for Christian Hymns," 
in 1821, and " Church Poetry," in 1823, it has been 
already shown were initiative of the whole matter. 

A single meeting of the committee was held in 
Philadelphia in the fall of 1823, and after that, though 
several attempts were made to have a session, nothing 

* "The next General Convention was held in Philadelphia from 

the 23d to the 26th day of May, 1823 On the subject 

of the Psalms and Hymns, a joint committee was appointed, consist- 
ing of the presiding Bishop (White), Bishop Hobart, Bishop Croes, 
the Rev. William Meade, the Rev. Samuel F. Jarvis, D.D., the Bev. 
William A. Muhlenberg, the Rev. Jackson Kemper, the Rev. Samuel 
Turner, D.D., the Rev. Richard L. Mason, the Hon. Kensey Johns 
the Hon. Robert Goldsborough, John Read, Esq., Edward J. Styles, 
Esq., Tench Tilghman, Esq., Francis S. Key, Esq., and Peter Kean, 
Esq." — Bishop White's Memoirs of Prot. Epis. Church. 



84 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

was done until May, 1826, when the committee met 
in New York and referred the business to a sub-com- 
mittee, consisting of Bishop Hobart, Dr. Turner, Dr. 
Wilson, and Mr. Muhlenberg, with the understanding 
that Dr. H. U. Onderdonk, then of Brooklyn, should 
sit with them. This committee again did nothing ; 
they did not even meet, and the subject would prob- 
ably have been postponed until another Convention, 
had not Air. Muhlenberg and Dr. Onderdonk under- 
taken to prepare something which the committee 
might act upon immediately before the meeting of 
the Convention. 

Mr. Muhlenberg had felt some reluctance in uniting 
with Dr. in this, knowing how widely they dif- 
fered in taste, sentiment, and opinion; but when they 
got fairly to work, all went vastly better than he had 
anticipated. There were concessions and conciliations 
on both sides, and a very kind hospitality on the part 
of Dr. and Mrs. Onderdonk, so that the visits to their 
house, where the meetings were always held, were 
pleasant ones. Topics, other than the Psalms and 
Hymns, often came up, and a frank, good-natured tilt 
on church points sometimes took place, neither, com- 
batant feeling the worse for it. If Mr. Muhlenberg 
did the larger part of the selecting and arranging, 
Dr. Onderdonk undertook all the labor of transcribing 
and preparing the copy for the press, and the work of 
these two was made the foundation of what was done 
later in Philadelphia, where it came before the whole 
committee as the report of the sub-committee. 



NO PARTY FEELING. 85 

The committee held several sittings with a remark- 
able concord of action. Mr. Muhlenberg makes grate- 
ful note of this and of some other interesting par- 
ticulars, connected with the conclusion of the hymn 
business : 

" Brother Meade," he wrote in his journal of this 
date, " was not more ready than was Bishop Hobart to 
have a respectable body of hymns, and I was surprised 
to see how cheerfully the latter admitted what the 
other would repeat, in several instances from memory 
'Twas thus we received 'My Saviour hanging on the 
tree,' and ' I love thy kingdom, Lord,' from the mouth 
of Brother Meade; and 4 How firm a foundation' and 
' Since I've known a Saviour's name' from Mr. Key. 
. . . . . On the score of my own compositions, 
amendments, etc., I have every reason to be satisfied — 
4 Saviour, who thy flock art feeding,' ; How short the 
race our friend has run,' ' Shout the glad tidings, 3 ' I 
would not live alway,' and 4 Like Noah's weary dove,' 
are those of mine which are wholly original. I am 
aware that they are wanting in the chief excellence of 
a hymn, — devotional spirit. 4 1 would not live alway ' 
was at first rejected by the committee, in which I, 
not suspected of being the author, agreed — knowing- 
it was rather poetry than an earnest song of redemp- 
tion. It was restored at the urgent request of Dr. 
Onderdonk. 

"The committee reported by referring, in a pamphlet 
(the preparing and printing of which fell to my lot), 
to their first publication based upon 4 Church Poet- 



86 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

ry,' and to tins of Dr. Onderdonk and myself. The 
Hymns passed the House of Bishops first — then the 
other House with considerable unanimity. 

" I thanked God when the question was decided, sin- 
cerely believing it is for the good of his church. Al- 
though the collection is not altogether such a one as 
1 could wish, it is, yet, a great acquisition to our wor- 
ship, and will, no doubt, further the interests of piety. 
I shall never repent the agency I have had in the mat- 
ter. There is a peculiar satisfaction to me, in the 
circumstance that it has been a measure of no party. 
Men of both sides were on the committee, — bishops, 
clergy, and laity. Dr. Onderdonk and myself are at the 
very antipodes of the ecclesiastical globe. It has been 
indeed a favorite object with the evangelical party, 
but it has had the support of the highest churchmen. 
Thus, in the only church affair, of general interest, in 
which I have had any influence, there has been no 
party feeling or manoeuvre. May such be the case in 
all that I undertake for the church ! " 

The Hymns passed November 14th, 1826. They were 
thus secured to the church, but considerable after labor 
came upon him in attending to the proofs and other 
particulars of their publication. 

In taking up his abode in Flushing, Mr. Muhlenberg 
with his two boys had to board for some time at the 
one hotel of the place, there being no more suitable 
accommodation in the village, and it happened at 
dinner one day, in the general dining-room, he was 
attracted by the conversation of some gentlemen, con- 



FLUSHING INSTITUTE. 87 

cerning building an academy at Flushing, "with pro- 
vision for a family and boarding pupils. He joined 
them, and, quite unpremeditatedly, said if they would 
erect such a building as he desired, he would occupy 
it and begin the Institution himself. He did not think 
much of what had passed, expected indeed to hear no 
more of it, when in the evening the gentlemen came 
to his room, and he found he had been taken at his 
word. He could not well draw back, yet was not quite 
ready to commit himself so hastily. The interview 
ended, however, in his agreeing to have a plan drawn 
for the projected academy, which was to be erected 
and owned by an Incorporated Company, to whom he 
was*to pay an annual percentage of a certain amount 
on the cost. And so the "Flushing Institute," merged 
later in St. Paul's College, began. He had prospec- 
tively designated his contemplated school "The Chris- 
tian Institute" and the stockholders learning this, in 
drafting their bill for the legislature, called their or- 
ganization "The Christian Institute of Flushing." But 
the gentlemen who brought the bill forward thought 
the w^ord "Christian" would prejudice the members 
against it, as they were opposed to the incorporation 
of religious societies, and asked the consent of the rest 
to change the name to " Flushing Institute." In this 
Mr. Muhlenberg heartily concurred — " In truth," he 
said, "I never wished the stockholders to call them- 
selves 'The Christian Institute.'" 

The building, a commodious and sufficiently impos- 
ing structure, did not come about without some of the 



88 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

friction incident to mortal affairs; disagreements among 
the Trustees as to locality and other details. Mr. Muhl- 
enberg stood quietly aside watching the progress of 
things until, at one moment, a shipwreck of the whole 
scheme seeming imminent, he stepped forward, and 
in a way of his own, carried it over the breakers. 
The corner-stone was at length laid, with the usual 
ceremonies, August 11, 1827. Inside the box, with 
other documents, was a Greek New Testament, depos- 
ited with these words, " Believing that the Gospel of 
Jesus Christ is the best knowledge, the true wisdom, 
and the only foundation of moral virtue, we deposit 
this New Testament in the original language, praying 
that its faith may ever be the corner-stone of Education 
in this Institute." 

The Christianizing of education was now, more than 
ever, the predominant theme of his reveries, and he 
took a pure delight in every step towards the fruition 
of his plans. His lively affection for the young, the 
talent he felt he possessed for interesting them, and, 
above all, his appreciation of the influence of their 
training upon coming generations combined, with the 
poetic sentiment that was so strong in him, to shed a 
lustre on those days of anticipation which brightened 
his horizon far and near. 

A new project, indeed, whatever the vision in his 
mind, was always a fountain of exhilaration to him, 
giving elasticity to his tread, a ringing joyousness to 
his voice, and a sort of radiancy to his whole being. 
Those who were nearest to him could discern such an 



EXHILARATION OF A NEW IDEA. 89 

inspiration before he uttered a word on the subject. 
The flow of spirits it engendered glorified the daily 
drudgery with which, in his unselfishness, he was apt 
to load himself, and his routine duties were never more 
thoroughly discharged than under such an influence, 
when his eyes saw every thing in roseate tints, " hues 
of their own, fresh borrowed from the heart." 

Where he was sufficiently familiar, the new-born idea 
would be the absorbing topic of conversation. He was, 
as he used to say, "full of it," and persons and things, 
great and small, as they came before him, were pressed 
either immediately or prospectively into its develop- 
ment. On the other hand, with all his wonderful per- 
severance in following up such an idea, — laying it 
down in the face of an obtruding obstacle, and taking 
it up again, sometimes months, nay, years afterward, — 
when he plainly saw that the thing " could not be," 
there was no gloomy reaction; both his faith and the 
buoyancy of his spirit yielded a cheerful acquiescence. 

This peculiarity of his temperament was signal, and 
had much to do with the amount of work he achieved. 
His fertility of mind in plans and projects seemed in- 
exhaustible. Not a hundredth part of his conceptions 
came to shape, yet rarely any were wholly unfeasible 
or without some high and holy end; but they were im- 
practicable in the nature of human things to a sin- 
gle life with the ordinary allotment of auxiliary agen- 
cies. Far into old age these creations were produced 
no less frequently than in earlier days: " Liet me tell 
you," — he would say to the friend who for the last 



90 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

twenty or thirty years of his pilgrimage was never 
very far from him, — u let me tell yon what I have 
been pleasing . myself with," and then, with his coun- 
tenance all aglow with the light which was quenched 
only with his life, he would set forth some noble or 
ingenious scheme, always for the good of his fellows 
or the advancement of the church — always to do good. 
Too often the reply, in such cases would be, " A beau- 
tiful plan, but you can not undertake it. It is useless 
to think of it, because — thus — and so." And with what 
sweetness and humility would he take the rebuff, some- 
times using a little pleasantry, to reassure his collo- 
quist; as thus: "I see, I see! You are right; we 
can't do unlimited good with limited means. My little 
bird hops upon a bough and trills away his l tu-tiveet, 
tu-tweet /' you shake your head at him, and down he 
drops — dead! Thank you. Always keep me straight." 
It would be hard to find in the annals of Christendom, 
a saint more single in heart and aim and more simply 
submissive to God's will than was this great soul; and 
so, when he found himself being "carried away" by 
some new work, he would strenuously fold the wings 
of his enthusiasm, and entering into his closet, search- 
in gly try himself, whether the thing were of God, or 
of his own will and fancy only. The opposition of his 
relatives, — a as loving a mother, sister, and brother, as 
ever lived" (so he wrote), — to his Flushing plans in 
tensified his self-searching as to that particular work; 
and in the period between his first thought of the Insti- 
tute and the actual "breaking ground" for the building, 



NOT RESPECTABLE ENOUGH. 91 

he gave much time to the satisfying of his conscience, 
and also to endeavors to reconcile his family. This last 
without success. They esteemed what he wanted to dc 
as not sufficiently respectable — as in fact an abandon- 
ment of the ministry. 

His mother naturally dreaded the burden he was 
about to assume, apprehending the trouble and re- 
sponsibility he must incur in such an undertaking. 
Further, she thought him qualified to distinguish him- 
self in the pulpit, and not unreasonably feared that 
"in keeping school," as she phrased it, he would give 
up preaching. In vain he tried to show her that he 
was "about to make an important experiment in edu- 
cation, which, if it succeeded, would be unbounded in 
its blessed influences." She could not be persuaded. 
Nor is this surprising, taking into account the estima- 
tion in which the calling was then held, and that she 
had not the prophetic intuition to discern that it was 
he who was to make the school-master's office honor- 
able in his own person, to arouse the church to the 
dignity and importance of the work of education, and 
in the methods he should originate to establish new 
and Christian relations between the teacher and the 
scholar, thus far too often mutually regarded as nat- 
ural enemies. 

We have data for picturing him as he then stood 
before his mother in the prime of yoimg manhood: 
goodly in form and presence, with a countenance of 
mingled sweetness and nobleness, rich waves of dark 
hair shading the well-set head and broad brow, deep- 



92 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

set penetrating eyes, large mouth, and chin completing 
well the face as indicating the strength there was in 
his character, and a voice of rare power and flexibility. 
This of the outer man — as to intellectual and spiritual 
gifts, she knew him to possess a cultivated mind, quick 
intuitions, a poetic imagination, keen but chastened 
wit, and a tender, sympathetic nature; all sanctified 
from his boyhood up by the evident grace of God in 
heart and life. Was it surprising she should exclaim, 
"William, you a school-master!" 

The surrender of himself to Christian education was 
an era in his life ; he recognized it, and his affectionate 
heart longed for the sympathy both of his natural kin- 
dred and of his brethren in the household of faith. But 
in the beginning, in neither particular was his wish 
granted. 

We have seen how little encouragement his rela- 
tives gave him; referring to his fellow-clergymen, he 
wrote : 

"Brother only laughs at my scheme; Brother 

W cares nothing about it; Brother M seems 

pleased with the thing, and has little doubt of its 
success. But there is not much use in going about 
asking the opinions of different persons, for every body 
is so much interested in his own concerns, he has little 
time or inclination to consider any thing else with 
more than momentary attention. I trust I embark in 
the attempt with an eye to the glory of God, and the 
best interest of my fellow creatures; I may therefore 
humbly hope for success. 



FOUNDATION OF SUCCESS. 93 

v 'But I can only spread my sail, 

Thou, thou, must breathe th' auspicious gale.'" 

When the building was near completion, we find the 
following : 

" Lord, do thou look down in favor upon this devo- 
tion of myself to thy service, as I humbly hope it is ! 
Let zeal for thine honor consume every impure motive 
with which I may be actuated. Let my eye be single, 
and since I believe I can best serve thee in the way 
before me, let me be decided and persevering. . Endow 
me with the qualities proper for my office. Make me 
firm in the exercise of discipline, yet always tender 
and compassionate. I would obey the precept of my 
Redeemer, to 'feed his lambs.' Like him, may I 
gather 'them in my arms and carry them in my 
bosom.' Make me industrious, uniform in my temper, 
and continually mindful of the end of the work I have 
taken in hand. Let me continually be looking to thee 
for direction and strength. And, my gracious Lord, 
wilt thou deign to accept my services. Wilt thou take 
me as an instrument of thy glory. I am unworthy, 
utterly unworthy, of the honor, yet, as thou dost ac- 
complish thy purposes through the lowest of thy creat- 
ures, thou mayest accept of me; thou may'st employ 
me to turn many to righteousness — even to raise up 
ministers of thy word. Lord, if I know myself, I ask 
no higher portion, and shouldest thou see fit to confer 
it upon thy servant, to thy name, — yes, to thy 
name, not to a poor creature enlightened, directed, 
strengthened only by thy Spirit, — -to thy name be the 



94 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

glory through Jesus Christ. For his sake have mercy 
upon me. For his sake smile upon my labors. For 
his sake employ me in thy service. For his sake 
sanctify me and fit me for everlasting happiness. — 
Amen and amen ! " 

" Mem. — In order to free myself as much as possible 
from the influence of improper motive, I resolve to de- 
vote the profits of the Institute to the cause of Chris- 
tain Education and the support of Christian missions. — 
W. A. M." 

In the spring of 1827, he greatly enjoyed a fort- 
night's sojourn among his former charge at Lancas- 
ter, where Mr. Ives was then rector. Young and old 
greeted him most affectionately, overloading him with 
their hospitalities. He preached and lectured amongst 
them once more with an emotion inseparable from the 
associations of the place, visited his "dear Sunday 
school," and his old favorite establishment, the public 
school, where he had the satisfaction to find his modi- 
fied monitorial system answering even as well as he 
had anticipated. He observed his farewell address to 
the children on the text, "Thou God seest me," framed 
and hung up in very many of the houses. The demon- 
strations of unfeigned attachment which he received, 
especially from the young, filled his mind delightfully 
with the conviction that he had done some lasting 
good in Lancaster. " If the prayers of babes and 
sucklings are heard," he writes, " I may hope for a 
blessing. " 

During his stay here, he met an unusual number of 



THE NEWS FROM HARRISBURG. 95 

the clergy, as they passed through, the town on their 
way to Harrisburg, for the election of an Assistant 
Bishop of Pennsylvania. Church parties there were at 
a white heat on the subject. There was great excite- 
ment and an extraordinary conflicting of choices and 
expectations. The result was as usual in such a post- 
ure of affairs, whether political or ecclesiastical, an in- 
tense surprise, even to the bishop elect himself, Dr. 
Henry U. Onderdonk. Mr. Muhlenberg's own prefer- 
ence had been strong for Dr. Meade, as the assistant 
of his beloved Bishop White, now nearing his eighti- 
eth year, but a kindly intimacy had grown up between 
himself and his " hymn-colleague," and seeing the 
thing was done, it was not in him to avoid sympathiz- 
ing in the emotions which the unexpected advancement 
would create. He hastened to convey the tidings to 
Dr. 0. himself, and thus notes the interview: 

"May 12, 1827. Arrived in Xew York, and went 
directly over to Brooklyn, to enjoy the treat of mak- 
ing Brother Henry's heart right glad. Found him at 
home, and made him sit down patiently to hear the 
news from Harrisburg. To his guessing who the elect- 
ed bishop was, I continually replied it was some one 
he liked still better — 'A man,' I told him, 'after his 
own heart.' After keeping him in suspense for a while, 
telling him what I thought of the individual, that he 
was 'too high a churchman,' an 'opponent of Bible 
Societies,' etc., — thus taking the opportunity of saying 
to himself what I had said of him to others, — I said, 
4 Let me now take leave of you as a fellow presbyter 



96 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

and fellow hymn-monger, and salute you as Henry, 
Bishop of Pennsylvania.' 

"'No? — ' But it would be wrong to record the ex- 
pressions of such a moment. He seemed considerably 
affected, and received the intelligence, I thought, like 
a Christian man." 



CHAPTER VIII. 

1828-1835. 

Flushing Institute in Operation. — Intensity of Religious Conviction. — An 
Apostle to Youth. — Characteristic Incident. — Theory of the School. — 
Its Government. — Secretary Forsyth and the Fourth of July. — Not 
Emulation but Christian Endeavor. — System of Marks. — An Evening 
in the Institute. — The Church Year. — His Assistants. — Private Inter- 
views with Boys. — Unceasing Efforts for their Salvation. — Little Prayers 
for Little Things. — " Tabella Sacra." — The Rector's Rules for Himself. 
—The Little Charity Box.— Cold Water Treatment of a Trick. 

The Institute was ready for occupation in the spring 
of 1828, and its doors were at once opened for •the ad- 
mission of pupils. Mr. Muhlenberg had retained the 
pastoral charge of St. George's, Flushing, beyond his 
first engagement, but now relinquished it in order to 
be wholly free for his chosen work. Nevertheless he 
did not cease from an active Christian interest in his 
former flock and in the spiritual welfare of the neigh- 
borhood generally. 

But education he felt was his calling. He became a 
master in the art, and was untiring in the illustration 
of his subject. Throughout this part of his life, and as 
far back as his origination of the public school in Lan- 
caster, his pen was continually throwing off essays, 
letters, suggestions, etc, which, judged by the frag- 
ments that remain of these productions, were as clear 
7 



98 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

in Christian argument, as they were fresh and original, 
and full of a common-sense adaptation of their princi- 
ples to the details of instruction. 

A singular intensity of religious conviction pervades 
all that he says and does as an educator. His •Christi- 
anity seemed to be the entire man, rather than one of 
the elements of his character. It imbued all that he 
touched. It modelled the mechanism as well as in- 
spired the life of his school; shaped its government; 
ruled in his resistless will, which was never self-will, 
and controlled alike the boyish games of the Grammar 
School, and the higher recreations of the College. Yet, 
in its manifestations there was never one least suspi- 
cion of stereotyped piety or perfunctoriness, all was so 
natural, so grandly simple and true. 

He was endowed with many distinguishing gifts, any 
one of which would have given him influence among 
men; but possibly neither his genius nor wit, his poetic 
fancy nor the strong common sense and originality of 
his words and ways had nearly as much to do with his 
remarkable power over boys, and later over men of all 
sorts and conditions, as this unfeigned reality, com- 
bined with his wonderful, overflowing love. A youth 
coming for the first time within his influence would feel 
himself inspired by a strange new joy; an awakening to 
the earnestness of life, and with that, to a sweet sense 
of holy sympathy, which lifted him up to possibilities 
of goodness and usefulness, such as he had never be- 
fore dreamed could be his. This is the testimony of 
many of his pupils. 



AN APOSTLE TO BOYS. 99 

His forte was not so much with younger boys, as 
with those from fifteen to twenty years of age, or 
through "the rapids," as he sometimes called this pe- 
riod in the stream of their earthly existence. A tender, 
untiring concern for such, with regard to their moral 
and religious culture, formed an integral part of his 
ministry, not alone while giving himself pre-eminently 
to the work of education, but always, and to youths 
of every degree. To a multitude of these he has been 
not only a " father-confessor," but their earthly saviour. 
And such youths would come to him with a freedom 
and confidence, as though his fatherly heart were theirs 
by right; while many of maturer years, even in the 
course of a long acquaintance, have found themselves 
unable ever quite to shake off a certain reverent re- 
straint, inspired perhaps by the spiritual atmosphere 
of his presence. 

A strong religious influence over the young of his 
own sex, was a predominant feature of his life. We 
trace the beginning of it in the story of his boyhood, 
and it formed one of the most striking characteristics 
of succeeding years. His love for boys never waned. 
"Whoever or whatever might occupy his attention, he 
was never indifferent to a demand of one of them 
upon his sympathy. He was truly an apostle to them. 
What other could speak to them with the godly wis- 
, dom and directness, the holy plainness and frankness, 
and the measureless love that he did? And what he 
accomplished by this means, how many young souls he 
thus won to Christ, who are now themselves sources 



100 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

and centres of Christian influence, who may tell ? It 
is hard to find any who came near him in their youth, 
that in speaking of him now is not forward to say, 
"No one ever helped me so much; no one ever did 
me so much good." 

A boy was rarely any length of time in his presence 
without being drawn almost magnetically to his side, 
and then one kind arm would go up and around the 
youth's neck, and the other hand, perhaps, be laid upon 
his head, in that benediction which he had a way of his 
own of thus expressing; or else, according to another 
habit peculiar to him, be passed through and through 
the boy's hair, as though seeing what he was made of. 

At one time, accidentally coming upon him, while 
thus drawing a boy to his heart, these words were 
heard, "Say, Down, devil! down, devil!" The youth 
with kindled eye and glowing cheek was looking up 
into the master's face, always at such times fullest 
of that heavenly light which the painter Huntingdon 
has called his "evangelic look," and it was plain the 
younger was receiving gratefully from the elder the 
counsel he needed for the conquest of some dominant 
bad habit. 

The theory of the school was that of a Christian or 
church family, of which the rector was the father, 
his school-sons living under the same roof and eating 1 
at the same table with him. They slept in large dor- 
mitories, divided into curtained alcoves for the older 
boys, thus securing them some privacy. A tutor or 
prefect always slept in each dormitory. 



PATERNAL, YET STRICT. 101 

The pupils were divided into classes as to their 
studies, into sections for discipline and domestic order. 
Each section consisted of twelve boys under a prefect. 
This was to prevent the promiscuous herding together 
of large numbers. These prefects were commonly can- 
didates for the ministry. They were young enough to 
be able to sympathize with the boys and take part in 
their amusements, yet of sufficient intelligence and 
firmness of principle to qualify them to do good to 
their charge, both by precept and example. They were 
not employed in teaching, having their own studies to 
pursue during school hours. Their duties lay mainly 
in friendly intercourse with the boys in the intervals 
of classes, and in headship each over his own section, 
in the refectory and in the dormitory. They were the 
elder brothers of the family. 

The boys prepared their lessons in a large study, 
which was their common room, making their recita- 
tions in separate class-rooms. For the first ten years, 
— that is until the development of the Institute into a 
regular college, — the course of study was that of or- 
dinary high-schools as preparatory to college ; later St. 
Paul's College was established with a complete fac- 
ulty of professors and instructors for the several de- 
partments of collegiate education. 

The government was paternal, most loving and con- 
siderate, yet not without strictness. Said one who was 
for years under its rule, " Though at times it seemed 
hard, men, who as boys were under his care, are all 
ready to say, ; It was good for us in youth to bear the 



102 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

yoke that this wise master imposed.' Corporal punish- 
ment was rarely resorted to, never on the part of the 
principal, except at the request of the offender. " I 
never whipped a boy," he said, u unless he asked me." 
It was perfectly understood, on receiving a boy from 
his parents, that the rector claimed the right to re- 
turn such scholar if for any reason he judged it best 
not to retain him, though not as necessarily dismissing 
him in disgrace; and boys whose conduct had made 
them liable to this exercise of the rector's discretion, 
not unfrequently asked to be flogged rather than sent 
away. Bad fellows would, unavoidably, now and then 
get in, and it was with some trouble and heart-ache 
they were gotten out again ; but Mr. Muhlenberg's in- 
dependence of extraneous control, the absence of all 
lucrative motive in what he was doing, and his wise 
precaution in laying down the conditions of admission 
and continuance, saved him from a multitude of vexa- 
tions and annoyances, arising in other institutions from 
the presence of undesirable scholars. 

He distinctly claimed pre-eminence of authority over 
the boys while they were in session, which was for 
ten consecutive months, requiring that, during that pe- 
l'iod, parental control should be delegated to him and 
only under extraordinary circumstances did he allow a 
visit home, except at the regular vacations ; but this re- 
striction was generously set off by a very liberal hospi- 
tality in welcoming the relatives and friends of the boys 
as guests at the School. A thorough and guarded edu- 
cation was his aim, and it could only be attained by 



SECRETARY FORSYTH. 103 

strenuously resisting any interruption of study or dis- 
cipline during the school term. 

It is told that, on one Fourth of July the then Secre- 
tary of State, Mr. Forsyth, arrived in a chartered steam- 
boat at the private dock of the place, expecting to take 
his son, at that time a pupil in the College, and perhaps 
some of his fellow-students, for an excursion. The 
school-father had his own plans for the enjoyment of 
the nation's holiday by his adopted family, and could 
not consistently comply with the request The manner 
and ground of the refusal must have commended them- 
selves to the honorable secretary, for he amiably ac- 
cepted the invitation to spend the day with his son, 
and, dismissing the steamboat, threw himself cordially 
into the boys' festivities. Having parted with his con- 
veyance, he was set on his way home in the afternoon 
of the day by means of the large six-oared barge of 
the College, whose boy-crew, with their tutor captain, 
rowed him as far as Harlem. Before leaving, he asked 
kindly if there were not something he could do for 
them in Washington, and learning they had no post- 
office of their own, engaged to procure one for them, 
and did so. This occurrence was after the removal of 
the establishment to College Point and of later date 
than the period of which this chapter mainly treats. 

The session of ten months included all the great 
festivals of the Church Year, but no exception was 
made as to leave of absence for their celebration. 
Christmas, Easter, and Whitsuntide alike found the 
students keeping the feast in their school-home. And 



104 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

these days were rendered so enjoyable ttere, the re- 
ligious services were made to illustrate so interestingly 
and impressively the great verities of the Gospel which 
they commemorate, and the household arrangements 
were ordered so kindly and generously, and with so 
open-handed an hospitality, that parents and guardians 
learned to feel, with their youthful charge, that no- 
where else could they find the festival as profitable and 
delightful. This, especially as to Christmas, which was 
invested with every thing that could give it a sweet, 
home aspect. Among those who would resort thither 
on these occasions were persons of very different shades 
of Christian opinion; but whether Evangelical or An- 
glican, Presbyterian or Methodist there was but one 
sentiment as to the beauty and benefit of the church 
seasons thus observed. 

Emulation was not allowed to be a Christian motive 
for exertion in any of Dr. Muhlenberg's schools. He 
considered it a malevolent principle, the ignoble coun- 
terfeit of aspiration of which nothing abidingly good 
can come. Hence, in place of the ordinary methods of 
prizes, exciting competition where one alone could be 
the victor, he instituted a system of marks wherein the 
highest reward was obtainable by all. Once a month, 
through the Journal of the Institute, there appeared in 
print, and was sent to the respective parents and guar- 
dians, a record of the rank in the separate studies, and 
in assiduity of each pupil ; but this was so ingeniously 
arranged that the signature and indication of standing 
affixed, — the former by letters, the latter by numbers, 



CREAKIXG BOOTS. 105 

— was unintelligible, save to the individual boy, his 
tutors, and friends at home. 

An abounding consideration for his boys, in little 
things as well as great, was a striking feature of Mr. 
Muhlenberg's government. Nothing that affected their 
interest was too insignificant for his attention, even to 
the sort of boots he wore, which were always rather 
heavy and creaking, that he might not seem to steal 
upon them unawares. And in their griefs, who so ten- 
der and sympathizing as he? One of the younger boys, 
son of Francis S. Key, author of the li Star Spangled 
Banner," was under Mr. Muhlenberg's care when his 
father died. Tidings of the event came late in the day, 
with a request for the boy to be sent home the next 
morning. " Never, if you can help it. tell bad news 
at night," was a life-long maxim with Mr. Muhlen- 
berg, and the little fellow was allowed to retire undis- 
turbed with the rest, while the devoted school-father 
attended himself to the arrangements necessary for an 
earlv mornino; start, and when all this was done, he 
went into the dormitory, and bowed himself in prayer 
and blessing over the newly-made orphan, lying peace- 
fully in the sweet sleep of childhood. 

The Monthly Journal of the Institute, mentioned 
above, was a pamphlet of some twenty pages, com- 
prising a mixture of information for parents and guar- 
dians, illustrations of the principles of -the Institution 
for the boys themselves, interesting items of public 
news, specimens of literary and mathematical achieve- 
ment on the part of the students, and informing or 



106 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

amusing articles, longer or shorter, from the several 
instructors. Among some old surviving numbers of 
this domestic periodical may be found, now and again, 
contributions from the rector himself, one of which as 
showing something of his close acquaintance with his 
boys, and how in every-day matters he moved amongst 
them, is of interest here. It is an actual record of one 
of his evenings in the Institute, and dated January 
21st, 1834 

" Here we are in the large study — bona fide — for fact, 
not fancy, shall guide our pen — we are going to write 
down things and thoughts just as they are. It is a 
little after seven, and the bustle of returning from 
tea has subsided. The boys (for so we call the long 
coat of eighteen as well as the roundabout of twelve) 
are at their desks; except the junior class, who have 
rooms of their own, and the junior section, who have 
a study of their own. The instructors are at a meet- 
of the Eumathean Society, and it has fallen to our turn 
this evening to 'keep the study.' Seated at one of 
the ordinary desks, for there is no pedagogic throne 
in the room, with pen, ink, and paper, we shall be 
the faithful chronicler of the important events of the 
evening. All is as quiet as the restlessness of sixty 
young mercurials will allow. The business of the 
day is over, and the evening they are left to employ 
as they please, provided that during the first hour 
they are silent, and that no one disturbs his neighbor. 
And how are they all employed? Students, aspirants 
after literary fame, they are communing with the 



AN EVENING IN THE INSTITUTE. 107 

master minds of antiquity. Xot satisfied with the ac- 
quisitions of the day, they are digging still deeper in 
the mines of classical lore. Their grammars, their 
lexicons, and their text-books, are their delight. — Your 
smile of incredulity, gentle reader, rebukes me, and 
ends me back to the unyarnished truth. There is 
one who has already fallen to sleep: tired with skat- 
ing in the afternoon, he has taken his dictionary for 
a pillow, and in his dreams is repeating his pleasure 
on the pond. There is a fidget — a perpetual motion- 
now he stands up — now he sits down, moving about 
as much as possible within the precincts of his liberty ; 
presently he will be nodding, too, for the quicksilver 
of his nature is rather in his body than in his mind, 
and when one is obliged to be still the other soon sinks 
to rest ; a book, at this hour, except it be a fairy tale, 
operates upon him like an opium pill. There is another 
devouring the Arabian Xights, whose taste will be con- 
siderably elevated when he thinks the Iliad superior 
to Sinhad the Sailor, or the Forty Thieves. I pity that 
poor fellow across the room, who sees the long hour 
before him and can not contrive what he shall do with 
it. Inclined neither for books nor for sleep, he is mak- 
ing dumb signs to another at an opposite desk, who is 
whittling a stick for the want of some better entertain- 
ment, to know whether he will play at draughts with 
him the next hour. The whittler does not understand 
him, so he has gone to scribbling his question on & 
scrap of paper. After watching for an opportunity, he 
has thrown it over to his friend, who in deciphering it; 



108 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

has now some amusement beside his stick and his pen- 
knife. 'Mr. ,' I say to one leaning on his elbow, 

4 Would it not be well for you to devote a part of your 
evenings to your lessons, that you may stand a little 
higher in the ranks? Your friends are mortified in see- 
ing your signature so low down.' I give the advice, 
as physicians do medicine to an incurable patient, more 
for conscience' than for hope's sake. Nature seems not 
to have designed the young gentleman for a scholar, 
and yet it will offend his parents to tell them that any 
thing more than a plain English education will be 
wasted on him. Besides, what shall they do with him 
for a few years to come. Turning over the leaves of 
Latin and Greek books is at least an innocent employ- 
ment, and, after all, his instructors may be mistaken; 
good minds are sometimes very slow in unfolding : the 
acorn gives no promise of the oak. Now yonder little 
volatile is a boy of talent, and would make a fine fel- 
low, if his mind would only hold still long enough to 

receive an impression. M is preparing a hoop for 

the 'graces'; C is adjusting one of the buckles 

of his skates ; B is entertained with his picture in 

a looking-glass, etc., etc. But we must not do injustice 
to our adopted family. These are the minority, and 
if they are not turning their time to the best account, 
it must be remembered in their behalf, that business 
hours are over. Their recitations during the day make 
no part of the present scene. The majority are so quiet 
that they do not attract our attention, and hence w^e 
have little to say concerning them. But we hav r e our 



AN EVENING IN THE INSTITUTE. 109 

eyes on students in earnest. Some with works of use- 
ful information or entertaining knowledge, others with 
their classics or mathematics, and some with still bet- 
ter books are making a profitable use of their time. 

" The bell-ringer leaves his seat — a general move- 
ment of impatience. Three tolls of the bell say that 
the hour is gone. Not much mourning at its decease. 
Every one shoots from his place. The sleepers awake. 
The 'graces,' battledoor, etc., are all in motion. The 
five minutes of liberty, bustle, and noise, soon fly past, 
and the ringing of the 'big bell,' echoed by the jin- 
gling of the 'little bell' restores the study to order. 
4 The letters! the letters!' How many bright eyes 
of expectation, and eager voices in every quarter ' any 
thing for me?' as the sprightly post boy distributes 
his packet. ' It's too bad,' says one, ' I haven't heard 
from home these three weeks; I'll not write again until 
I do hear.' While some glad hearts are as enraptured 
with a letter from home, as if they had received a val- 
uable present. Now and then we observe one who will 
lay aside a letter even from 'home, sweet home,' and 
not read it until he has finished his play — a worse sign, 
by far, than an ill recitation. The mail has brought 
a favor for ourselves. After a few lines of introduc- 
tion we read, ' How is coming on ? We should 

be glad to hear from you about him, as often as it 
suits your convenience to write. Your silence has left 
us in suspense.' Would that we had the faculty of 
Dr. D wight for dictating to three amanuenses at once; 
for then we might communicate with parents about 



110 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

their sons to the extent of their wishes. Our numer- 
ous engagements allow us to do but little in this way. 
We make it a rule, however, alway to answer letters 
of inquiry; and we are glad also to receive such let- 
ters, as they serve to direct our attention more partic- 
ularly to individual boys. We hope our friends wil 
understand this; and there is another thing, on this 
subject, that we w r ould request of them, which is, that 
they will not measure our attention to their children 
by our attention to them. We are alive to the respon- 
sibilities we have assumed. Our pupils are our family. 
Between them and us there are no intervening objects 
either of interest or affection. That we are not forget- 
ful of his boy, every parent or guardian should feel as- 
sured, although he may not receive a line of intelli- 
gence from us during the session. To take care of our 
pupils is our duty; to write frequent letters about them 
may or may not be our duty. We repeat again, that 
we are happy in receiving communications from par- 
ents, inasmuch as they serve to bring particular boys 
to our mind, and we invariably sooner or later reply 
to their inquiries. It is a deficiency in making volun- 
tary reports, that we would explain.* 

" But we have wandered from the study. What are 
the boys about? 'The last hour' they spend ad libitum 
with an extension of the liberty of the first hour, but 
not to their leaving the room. A couple here are play- 
ing at checkers, and there at chess; a few keep to their 

* The monthly reports of the Journal should not be forgotten. 



AN EVENING IN THE INSTITUTE, 111 

books if the Tattling tongues and restless motion of 
their companions will permit them; for the majority 
prefer talking and moving about. And of what are 
they talking ? What are the themes of such incessant 
discourse ? What the unfailing excitement of such con- 
stant clatter ? One would suppose, that secluded from 
the world, and forming a community so entirely among 
themselves, they would find conversation (to use one of 
their own favorite words) rather 4 stale.' But no, it is 
as fresh and as brilliant at mid-session, as when they 
have just returned from the novelties of the vacation. 
Beside the music of tongues we have the piping of rare 
musicians ; a dozen flutes ai;e going in all the varieties 
of melody, from the gamut to the sonata. In one corner 
two are playing duos, entertained with their own har- 
mony, regardless of the Babel of tongues and the chaos 
of notes around; a happiness we cordially wish every 
family that our journal visits. — The bell rings out an- 
other hour; the little bell calls to order, and all is per- 
fectly still for fifteen minutes before repairing to the 
chapel — an interval of quiet appropriated to the reading 
of the Holy Scriptures. Thoughts here possess the 
mind too deep, and in this medley, too solemn for utter- 
ance. The service in the chapel is short. The boys 
hasten back to the studies and prepare to retire. They 
linger round the stoves, talking about its 'freezing hard 
to-night,' and wondering if 4 the bay will be frozen over 
this winter.' With ' good-night, good-night,' we give 
them hints to be gone. Some three or four light the 
lamps at the desks, and by permission go to reading or 



112 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

studying again until the bell rings ten. The rest are 
away to the dormitories — a little racket on the stairs — 
here and there a straggler — and the house is still. The 
solitary lamp diffuses its dim light through the dormi- 
tories — the instructor on duty paces the floor. Some 
of the alcoves we trust are closets of prayer, since 
there are bended knees beside the beds without. They 
slumber quietly; not one on the bed of sickness — Gra- 
tiaSj Domine. — The watchman strikes ten — the curfew 
of our little world." 

The Chapel, with an organ, was within the building, 
and was used exclusively for divine worship morning 
and evening daily, as well as on Sundays and other 
church days. Great attention was given towards mak- 
ing the services and instruction interesting to the 
youthful congregation; and the different seasons of 
the Church Year were marked by appropriate teaching 
and observances which helped the design of their ap- 
pointment. In the chapel of St. Paul's College yet 
more regard was paid to this particular, Dr. Muhlen- 
berg using the liberty which he always contended for 
as necessary to do justice to the Liturgic worship of 
the church. Of these pastoral ministrations, survivors 
from among those young disciples have spoken with 
grateful and eloquent remembrance; telling of u his 
unequalled reading of the Scriptures, and of the im- 
pression made upon their minds by his sermons, in 
their clear simplicity, their poetic fervor, and above 
all, in 'the strong faith in Christ which made real to 
him and helped him to make real to others the narra- 



PERSONAL INFLUENCE. 113 

tives and teachings of the Bible and especially of the 
Holy Gospels.'" 

He was assisted in the different branches of educa- 
tion by able professors and instructors, Christian gen- 
tlemen, who set a good example to the scholars, and 
some of whom were clergymen subsequently well- 
known in the church.* 

The faculty of the College eventually consisted al- 
most wholly of men trained by himself, school-sons and 
pupils, grown to be church brothers and instructors.! 
In the distribution of work, the rector took for his 
own department of tuition, the Evidences and Ethics of 
Christianity, Logic, and Rhetoric. But however effec- 
tive Mr. Muhlenberg s official teachings, whether in 
pulpit or class-room, they were far exceeded in value 
by his private and individual instructions. Undertak- 
ing the work as he did, solely for the purpose of gath- 
ering around hirn and bringing up in true Christian 
nurture a family of adopted sons, his personal influ- 
ence would necessarily be a most important means 
towards the end proposed, and he relied much upon 
it, differing widely, in this particular, from his English 
contemporary, Dr. Arnold of Rugby, with whom he is 
often compared. The two great educators had many 

* Among these may be named the Rev. Drs. Samuel Seabury, Chris- 
tian F. Cruse, Samuel Roosevelt Johnson, and Francis L. Hawks. 

f The most prominent of these were the Rev. James B. Ker- 
fool, afterwards Bishop of Pittsburg; Rev. Libertus Van Bokkelen; 
Rev. J. G. Barton ; Rev. Milo Mahan and Rev. Joseph C. Pass- 
more. 



114 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

points of resemblance between them, but Dr. Arnold 
knew almost nothing individually of his charge, those 
of the Sixth Form excepted, and not un frequently " a 
boy would leave Rugby without any personal commu- 
nication with him at all." * Mr. Muhlenberg, on the 
contrary, took the greatest pleasure in private inter- 
views with his pupils. It may be said, indeed, that 
such were among his chief delights. 

The natural affection so strong within him and held 
back, through his supreme self-consecration, from ex- 
pending itself in the ordinary channels of human love, 
was poured out upon these boys with well-nigh par- 
ental fondness. So endearing were his ways to them, 
one by one, that each was apt to think himself an es- 
pecially beloved and favorite pupil. But it was always 
with their salvation prominent as the great end of his 
interest in them. Evidences of this remain in a mul- 
titude of ways; most fully, perhaps, in his own jour- 
nals, which were more extensively and regularly kept 
throughout this period than in the other parts of his 
life. Their pages month after month and year after 
year record hopes and fears, progress or the contrary, 
now of this lad, now of that, following them often in 
their career after they ceased to be members of his 
household, and breaking out continually in importu- 
nate prayers for them as they pass in turn mentally 
before him. Such records are sacred. 

The following memoranda of encouragement and the 

* Dr. Arnold's Life and Correspondence. 



HOPES AND FEARS. 115 

contrary, are but meagrely illustrative of what is re- 
ferred to. 

". . . I desire to thank God for . After all, 

the seed sown was not in vain. He seemed to be 
proof against all religious appeals as much as any 
boy I have ever had. . . His correspondence with 
me is a good sign." 

" and came for the first time to Holy Com- 
munion to-day — Oh ! these children whom thou hast 
given me — what rapture to my soul to see them 'gather 
before thy altar." 

". . . I keep my appointment with my former 
pupil — to meet him at this hour in prayer. Lord 
Jesus Christ, bless him and make him a trophy of re- 
deeming love. Holy Spirit, overcome his pride, his stub- 
born self-will. shine into the darkness of his heart. 
. . . . Spent an hour in conversation and prayer 
with . He wishes to consecrate his life as a mis- 
sionary. God, I thank thee, I bless thee, I glorify 
thee that in thy Sovereign grace thou dost dispose one 
of my spiritual children towards this highest exercise 
of the Christian ministry. Oh bless him and conse- 
crate him with the unction of thy Spirit." " " (a 

dismissed pupil) "left this morning; he would show 
more generous feeling but that his conscience is bur- 
dened with a lie." 

" Returned from . Alas, I fear that after all 

will not do well. Oh, he has been the child of many, 
many prayers. I am cut to the heart when I see him 
less and less thoughtful, and more and more inclined 



116 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

to the indulgences of the world. Mem. — pray daily for 
him. . . ." 

There seems to have been no limit to the pains he 
bestowed upon this part of his ministry. In season and 
out of season, he wrought for the spiritual good of his 
boys, and his iterated and earnest prayers, for and with 
them, were accompanied by a multitude of ingenious 
methods and contrivances for the enforcement of his 
holy lessons. The filial piety of one who became an 
endeared assistant has preserved an example of one 
such device. It consists of a number of tiny sheets or 
leaflets, beautifully written by his own hand, and en- 
titled " Little prayers for little things." They are brief 
reflections and ejaculations, evidently penned, from time 
to time, for every-day use, as needed. In a short pref- 
ace the master says to his disciple, 

u They are not prescribed for the occasions men- 
tioned, but are given as a specimen of the manner 
in which a spiritual mind will delight to be ascend- 
ing continually to God in every occupation and seek- 
ing grace in the smallest matters Into the 

bosom of his spiritual child his father would breathe 
his own daily aspirations to the throne of grace. 
May the same blessed Spirit breathe into the hearts 
of both. ' Soli Deo Gloria ! ' " There are over forty 
of these little prayers, from which the subjoined are 
selected. 

" On looking up in the morning. My gracious Benefac- 
tor, I consecrate my recruited energies to thee. I 
wake to duty. In thy service only let all the strength 



LITTLE PRAYERS FOR LITTLE THIXGS. 117 

thou hast given me be employed. Thou hast made me 
thy creature, mate me thy willing servant." 

''While dressing. While I am careful to appear de- 
cently clad before my fellow worms, shall my soul be 
left naked, or in the rags of sin before the King of 
kings? I am soon to go into his presence-chamber, 
then, may I be dressed in the golden robes of the 
righteousness of Christ." 

"When plagued by bad thoughts. Get thee hence, Sa- 
tan — I ask none of thy entertainment — I know thy 
arts. I know thy methods of approach. In the name 
of my Saviour I bid thee begone. Tempter, away! 
And now. Lord, for the fulfilment of thy promise, 
'Resist the devil and he will flee from thee!' ; 

"At meals. May I never be choice or dainty in my 
food, rememberino- that thv dearest saints have lived 
on the coarsest fare. If I never have luxuries, make 
me contented without them, and if thou dost set them 
before me, I will partake of them with moderation and 
gratitude." 

" On receiving praise. Let me not be flattered by the 
praise of men. They can see only my outside virtue 
and not my inside sin. I thank them for their good 
opinion. Lord, help me to deserve it better, but never 
let it for an instant keep me from seeing my sinful- 
ness in thy sight." 

"At How is the day going? Have I once 

thought of God since I was on my knees this morn- 
ing? If I never lift up "my heart at mid-day, I may 
fear that mv morning and evening pravers are mere 



118 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

matters of course. My soul, canst thou not find a 
moment for thy Saviour at noon ? " 

Another packet of little sheets is called — ''Helps to 
to pray without ceasing," and consists of a series of 
reflections on different passages of Scripture, of which 
the following is an example: 

ui He that loveth is born of GocV then, do I love? 
It is the very sign of my regeneration. I think I 
can say, 'Yea, Lord, thou knowest that I love thee — ' 
but how feeble the glow! It has been kindled I 
trust from above, but how dim the light ! how cold the 
fire ! how flickering the flame ! Holy Spirit, from thee 
the spark first came — breathe upon it — blow upon 
it — or amid folly and impurity I fear it will expire. 
Let me seek the truth on which it feeds. Let my 
highest care and chief anxiety be that love may burn 
in my soul warmer and brighter, and shine more and 
more unto the perfect day. Let me know that I love, 
that I may know I am born of God." 

The foregoing exemplifies but one of his meth- 
ods, and that for a more advanced learner. His 
expedients varied with the varying temperaments 
and needs of his charge. Sincerely fighting "the 
good fight" himself, he was well-skilled in equip- 
ping these young recruits with the weapons best 
suited to them. 

Further, for all who were disposed to avail them- 
•selves of it, there was, every Thursday evening, a vol- 
untary religious meeting in the chapel; and before 
each vacation a "Tabella Sacra, or Table of Daily 



THE LAST DAY OF THE YEAR. 119 

Scripture Reading," was issued, as an incentive both. 
to keep up the sacred duty during the holidays, and 
also to promote a feeling of unity among the scholars 
during their separation. The voluntary meetings were 
ordinarily well attended, and a spirit of piety at times 
prevailed, not common to schools. 

The last day of the year was spent by the boys in 
putting their desks in order and getting all things 
ready for a good beginning of the New Year. In the 
evening there was a penitential religious service. The 
names of all those who had ever been at the school 
were called, those present who could give any account 
of old scholars were encouraged to do so, and in con- 
clusion all present, together with all who, in any way, 
or at any time, had made part of the Institute house- 
hold, were earnestly remembered in prayer. Later, 
a midnight watch was held by the adults of the school 
family, in which they " saw the old year out," in pro- 
longed confession of sin, followed by silent prayer, until 
the bell rang twelve, when a full joyous " Gloria in 
Excelsis" ushered in the Xew Year. 

A solemn observance of the last night of the year 
was a practice of Mr. Muhlenberg's life, from youth to 
"extremest old age, and frequently the sons and pupils 
of earlier days, who could not be with him in body, 
would unite spiritually in the accustomed devotions. 
Some of these will remember, too, how on New Year's 
Day, he would, again and again, ring out Charles 
Wesley s lines — 



120 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

"Come, let us anew, our journey pursue — 

Roll round "with the year, 
And never stand still, till the Master appear 
His adorable will, let us gladly fulfil, 

And our talents improve 
By the patience of hope, and the labors of love." 

A constant upward endeavor was the keynote of his 
long service. 

This faithful master laid down rules for himself as 
well as for his pupils. In his private diary of this 
date, after certain retrospective meditations, we find, 
among other self-admonishings, the following: 

"Never be in bed after five o'clock. . It is of the 
utmost importance that all the duties of the morning 
relating to the body or the soul be performed early. 
Lift up your voice in a song of gratitude to God and 
rejoice like the sun to run the course of another day. 
Let not your morning prayers be hurried, the day will 
depend on them Bear with the thought- 
lessness and frowardness of your adopted children ; re- 
member that they are but children, even the oldest of 
them, that therefore they need all the forbearance and 
condescension you can exercise. Remember that their 
tastes and yours are different. Remember that you 
have meat to eat which they know not of. Have pa- 
tience to give line upon line and precept upon precept 
— remember how slow you have been to learn of God, 
and therefore wonder not that they are slow to learn of 
you. Be impartial. Have no favorites. Guard against 
overlooking retired boys, — and against neglecting those 



THE LITTLE CHARITY BOX, 121 

who are unpleasant in their intercourse with yon. 
Your affection for them should be enlightened Chris- 
tian charity, not attachment founded on personal attrac- 
tions- or any earthly consideration. Let your love for 
them show itself not by playing or fondling with them, 
but by uniform kindness of manner and steady en- 
deavors to do them good. Eecollect that some of the 
dull or unpleasant boys, to whom you say compara- 
tively little, may after all be those who will have 
derived most benefit from the School; take care then 
not to overlook them. . . Have no idols. . . 
my blessed Saviour, may I be in thy company all the 
day long. May I walk close behind thee, holding the 
skirt of thy garment, treading in every track of thy 
footsteps. 0, never desert me. Leave me not a mo- 
ment alone. Without thee I stumble and fall." 

He was most unsparing of his own faults, even before 
his scholars, where they were concerned in the circum- 
stance. One of them, a young man very dear to him, 
tells that after receiving on a certain day a severe re- 
buke, Mr. Muhlenberg at night put into his hand a lit- 
tle box containing money and a brief note in which 
he deplored that he had "lost his temper in the morn- 
ing, and spoiled his admonition by impatient tones and 
ugly looks." The note went on to say, "These accounts 
are not to be settled between ourselves, but, as a peace- 
offering, let me give you this Charity Box, to which I 
will add something every time I offend in a similar way 
and about the use of which I promise not to inquire. 
By this penance of love, my infirmities may at least be 



122 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

the occasion of your benevolence " This lit- 

tie box and note have been preserved. The arrange- 
ment was undoubtedly a genuine expression of his 
grief and humility, but it may have been, along with 
this, one of his loving and ingenious ways for impress- 
ing upon the mind of his dear scholar the ground of 
said reproof, viz., the fault he desired him to watch 
against and correct. It would be like him that it 
should be so. Nor would he have minded sacrificing 
what some would call their dignity to such an end. 

He could exercise a little muscular Christianity at 
need. One of the students attempted a practical joke 
upon him by walking into his chamber at midnight, in 
the regulation, long, white bedgown, as a somnambu- 
list. Mr. Muhlenberg instantly penetrated the disguise, 
and springing out of bed grappled the youth tightly 
and drew him to the wash-stand, where stood a large 
ewer full of water, the whole contents of which he dis- 
charged upon his head. The discomfited lad slank 
away as fast as he could. He had anticipated great 
fun in telling his comrades the next morning how 
finely he had scared the rector, but this complete turn- 
ing of the tables made him thankful for the forbear- 
ance which withheld all comment regarding the night's 
exploit. 



CHAPTER IX. 

1835-1839- 

Preparations for St. Paul's College. — Repute as an Educator. — Reply to 
Bishop Doane's Proposal. — Purchase of a Farm near Flushing. — Suc- 
cess of the Institute. — Ten Thousand Dollars of Debt. — His Mother's 
Aid. — No Thought of Surrender. — Ultimately met his Expenses. — 
Scenery of College Point, — Laying a Corner-stone that Received no 
Super-structure. — Enduring Work of St. Paul's College. — Why the Per- 
manent College Edifice was not Built. — A Noble Principle of Action. — ■ 
Plans for a Sojourn in Europe. — His Brother's Unexpected Death. — 
Characteristics of Dr. Frederick A. Muhlenberg. — Grief and Tenderness 
of Survivor. — Turns to Work Again. — Temporary Buildings Erected. — 
St. Paul's College Begun. — Principles and Discipline of the Same. — The 
Rector's Increase of Care. — Divine Support. — Tenor of Daily Inter- 
course with Students. — Tact in Dealing with Them. — Skilful Moral 
Probing. 

The development of his work into a thoroughly-ap- 
pointed college with buildings and grounds of its own, 
had always been an essential part of Dr.* Muhlenberg's 
plan, and for a year or more previous to the date of 
this -chapter he had been looking in different local- 
ities for a suitable site. When it transpired that he 
purposed a change, the impression he had, even thus 
early, made as an educator, became strikingly ap- 
parent. He was solicited in various directions to ac- 

* About this time (1836) he received his degree of Doctor of Divinity 
from Columbia College, N. Y. 



124 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

cept the control of one and another important insti- 
tution of learning, or, again, to establish himself in 
this or that diocese for the founding of his own col- 
lege. Among the latter proposals was one from Bishop 
Doane of New Jersey, his reply to whom is very char- 
acteristic. After a courteous acknowledgment of the 
bishop's kind letter, and a wish that his school really 
deserved the esteem expressed for it, he goes on to 
say: ". . . . Whenever I have contemplated a re- 
moval, it has always been to the northward. Politi- 
cal considerations induce me to prefer New England, 
and somewhere on the Sound, in Connecticut, has been 
long, in my imagination, the ultimate location of my 
college. Candor, however, dictates another answer. 
The seminary proposed for your diocese, doubtless is 
designed to be subject to specific ecclesiastical control. 
I" am never restless under government, but such ar- 
rangement might interfere materially with the prosecu- 
tion of my plans, and would impair too much my free- 
dom of action in the enterprise. Attachment to the 
Episcopal Church and submission to her proper author- 
ity will, I hope, always characterize any institution of 
which I may have the charge, but the security for these 
must be found only in the consistency of my character 
as an Episcopalian — whatever it may be — and in my 
duty as a Presbyter of the church. In a word, I prefer 
the independence of a private Institution. . . . ." 
This letter is dated Oct. 4, 1834. 

At length, what he sought was found close at hand, 
in a farm of a hundred and seventy-five acres, lying 



COLLEGE POINT PURCHASED. 125 

along the East Elver, north of Flushing, on part of 
which now stands the village known as M College 
Point," the name he then gave to his purchase. He 
afterwards disposed of a portion of the land, leaving 
about one hundred acres for the college territory. 

The Flushing Institute had been an entire success. 
In its last year, the applications for admission doubled 
that of any preceding one, and from the extent, un- 
solicited, of this confidence in his methods, he assured 
himself that the funds requisite for constructing a sub- 
stantial permanent edifice would be easily obtained. 

He had hired the Institute building, in the first in- 
stance, for three years only, and contemplated eighty 
boys as the extent of his school family. In the third 
year he found himself with a hundred pupils, but also, 
the initiation of the work costing more than he an- 
ticipated, with ten thousand dollars of debt, and this 
in addition to the absorption of all his private means. 
Mrs. Muhlenberg, his mother, stood ready to assume 
his responsibilities in this amount, and hoped he would 
now relinquish the undertaking to which she had never 
become reconciled. He could honorably have done 
so, having fulfilled all that he had pledged himself to, 
but nothing was further from his mind than such a 
surrender. He kept bravely on, and in the end the 
School paid its expenses. 

College Point was purchased in the summer of 1835. 
It was a very beautiful domain and admirably adapted 
to its purpose. There was a water front of more than 
a mile, and the Point, stretching far into the river, 



126 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

formed in one direction a sheltered cove, or bay, for 
safe boating and other water sports, and rose land- 
ward into a broad, high knoll which commanded a fine 
extended view of the Sound with its ever-shifting pan- 
orama of vessels, from the snowy-winged pleasure 
yacht to the Atlantic steamer. A more magnificent 
" campus" could not be imagined. 

The college edifice was designed to stand on the 
summit of the knoll. It was to have been an exten- 
sive and substantial structure, costing about fifty thou- 
sand dollars. We say was to have been, for it never 
came to pass, notwithstanding that the corner-stone 
was laid in the presence of the bishop of the diocese, 
Oct 15, 1836, with enthusiastic anticipations. The day 
of this ceremony was one of great interest and enjoy- 
ment to the concourse of friends who participated in 
its exercises. The rector wrote both an address and 
an ode for the purpose,* and associates and pupils 
drew propitious omens from air, earth, and sea which 
seem to have been at their loveliest for the occasion. 

"The liquid azure," wrote one who was present, "the 
ethereal atmosphere, the balmy breeze, only strong 
enough to float the banners and spread the white can- 
vas of a hundred vessels, withal the golden verdure 
lighted by a mellow autumnal sun, enraptured every 
one with the scenery." Nor was the futility of that 
glad " foundation-day " failure. True, the walls over 
the corner-stone then laid never rose above the base- 

* See Evan. Cath. Papers, Second Series, pp. 63 et. seq. 



WHY THE WORK WAS STOPPED. 127 

ment story, and St. Paul's College was, to the end, 
housed in wooden buildings aside those of the Gram- 
mar School at the foot of the knoll; but the true 
living work of the Christian college went on, none 
the less. It was as faithfully and earnestly impelled 
as though honored with a habitation of porphyry and 
marble, and if not made locally permanent by means 
of solid masonry, has been essentially perpetuated in 
its offsets and in the multitude of kindred institutions, 
existing at this day in our church, of which St.- Paul's 
College was the exemplar. 

But how came the solid structure begun upon the 
knoll to be stopped? Owing to no individual or private 
failure, but from a great public monetary disturbance. 
When Br. Muhlenberg made his preparations for build- 
ing, subscriptions were coming in, which, with other 
prospective contributions and general promises of sup- 
port, justified the step; but shortly came the great fi- 
nancial crisis of 1837, when banks collapsed, the strong- 
est institutions staggered, and men of supposed solid 
wealth were reduced to poverty, as in a day. Among 
these last were some of Dr. Muhlenberg's chief friends 
and helpers, and his resources were, of course, almost 
summarily cut off. He kept on with the basement 
story until the funds he had in hand were exhausted, 
and then suspended operations. He did not regard the 
cessation as other than temporary; expecting to resume 
building with the revival of business; but, however this 
might be, he would not entangle his sacred undertak- 
ing with debt. The work, as already intimated, was 



128 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

never resumed. There were lookers-on who appreci- 
ated Dr. Muhlenberg's high principle in this matter, 
and who in due time pointed it out to the church. 

The editor of the Journal of Christian Education in 
March, 1841, may be quoted as illustrative: "On pass- 
ing up the Sound," he writes, "one of the principal ob- 
jects that strikes the eye of the observer as he ap- 
proaches College Point is the foundation of a large 
stone building raised some eight or ten feet above the 
ground and there abandoned. On asking why it is left 
in this unfinished state, the answer is that its proprie- 
tor had not the means at the time to carry it further, 
and would not get into debt. But was not Dr. Muhl- 
enberg working for the church, and might he not have 
gone on to build assured that in an emergency the 
church, aroused by the exciting appeals that could 
readily be framed, would step in to save his college 
from the bailiff? Unquestionably. The general senti- 
ment and practice invited him to pursue this course. 
But he chose not to adopt it. We admire his self- 
denial and thank him for his good example. . . 

"Those unfinished walls indicate the sober, patient, 
and confiding wisdom which looks far into futurity, 
disregarding present consequences. No churchman on 
beholding them can employ the reproach, 'This man 
began to build,' for he would be obliged to add, 'But 
we (the church) for whom he was building, would not 
permit him to finish.'" 

A structure of wx>od had been erected at the Point 
for the Grammar School, which was opened in 1837; 



A GREAT SORROW. 129 

while a number of the younger boys composed a dis- 
tinct establishment in the Institute building, conducted 
by two of the Instructors* on their own responsibil- 
ity, but upon Dr. Muhlenberg's plan. At this junc- 
ture, and pending the reaction of the business world, 
which he hoped would give a new impetus to the col- 
lege building, Dr. Muhlenberg thought he saw the op- 
portunity so far back descried for a sojourn of some 
length in Europe. He proposed to himself an absence 
of two years, and planned to give the Grammar School 
for that period to the care of two of his most competent 
associates, who, while maintaining the principles and 
order of the School as he had established them, were to 
have for themselves whatever profit might accrue. His 
brother, Dr. Frederick Augustus Muhlenberg, for some 
years past associated with him as physician of the In- 
stitute, and professor of physiology, hygiene, and the 
natural sciences, was to be his representative during 
his absence in all that concerned the college enter- 
prise. This plan Avas frustrated by the unexpected 
illness and death of this only and beloved brother. 
He was seized with rapid consumption, and expired 
June 11th, 1837. 

Dr. Frederick Augustus Muhlenberg was a highly 
cultivated and accomplished man, and full of musical 
talent. Further he was his brother's spiritual child as 
well as his dear companion — "Frater et Filius Christi" 
— and the survivor used to speak of this loss as the 

* Rev. Dr. C. F. Cruse' and J. B. Kerfoot. 



130 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

chief sorrow of his life. A number of musical compo- 
sitions, secular as well as sacred, were left by him. A 
tune afterwards named " Frederick " in the Tune Book 
of the Protestant Episcopal Church, is one of these, and 
was written for his favorite hymn, " Saviour, source of 
every blessing." On his death-bed, which was wonder- 
ful in its fulness of Christian peace, Frederick asked 
his brother to sing this hymn. Complying, the latter 
said, " Henceforth we shall always sing that hymn 
to your own sweet tune" ; a promise which has been 
observed in all Dr. Muhlenberg's institutions. Anoth- 
er little incident further illustrates the tenderness of 
Dr. Muhlenberg's affection, though it occurred full 
three years after his brother's decease. A new or- 
gan was in contemplation for the College chapel. In 
a musical point of view, this was very desirable, but 
the associations of the old one, its early use in the 
Institute, and especially by his brother Frederick made 
him very unwilling to part with it. "If," he writes, 
11 1 were to give it to Erben (the organ builder), I 
should bargain to have several of the stops put into the 
new organ, particularly the Dulciana, on which my 
brother, now in Paradise, used to make such heavenly 
music." 

Once more he relinquished the thought of going to 
Europe, and, a combination of favorable circumstances 
encouraging him, resolved without further delay to pro- 
ceed with the establishment of his college in such 
buildings as he could then command. Accordingly, 
without abandoning all effort to continue the work 






PRINCIPLES OF ST. PAUL'S COLLEGE. 131 

upon the knoll, he erected commodious and sightly 
edifices of wood, adjoining those of the Grammar 
School, along the shore, and here St, Paul's College 
was begun in the year 1838, with a full corps of pro- 
fessors and instructors, and all the usual appliances of a 
collegiate institution. The leaden box which had been 
laid within the corner-stone of the Flushing Institute 
was dug out, and placed under the new building at the 
Point. " It was deposited unopened," wrote Dr. Muhl- 
enberg on the occasion, "to show the identity of the 
Institution." 

In entering upon St. Paul's College, he had proposed 
to relieve himself of the care of the younger bovs, 
by transferring the Flushing Institute to the inde- 
pendent charge of the two gentlemen already men- 
tioned; but the lamentation at his withdrawal on the 
part of parents and guardians was so great, "so loud a 
wail went up," as one said, that he could not resist the 
appeal, and within a short time resumed his former re- 
lations. The boys and the two instructors removed to 
the Point, and all united again under Dr. Muhlenberg. 

The fundamental principles of the College were the 
same as those of the Institute, viz., that the study of 
the ancient languages and of the exact sciences forms 
the true groundwork of a liberal education ; that in the 
discipline of the intellect there can be no substitute 
for the old process of patient application; that moral 
and religious training must go hand in hand with the 
cultivation of the intellect; that the religious instruc- 
tion must be in accordance with the creed of some par- 



132 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

ticular church, hence here of the Protestant Episcopal ; 
and that pure and enduring motives are to be urged in 
the culture of the mind as well as of the heart. 

Some paragraphs from a paper of Dr. Muhlenberg's 
of this date will illustrate more specifically the genius 
and sentiment of the Institution. First, as to its name 
after St. Paul: "As St. Paul, the most educated of the 
apostles, glorified his Divine Master with his learning 
and eloquence, so in the College, human wisdom must 
be consecrated with the spirit and made subservient to 
the interests of the Gospel " 

Again: "The doctrines of original sin, of regeneration 
by the Holy Spirit, of justification by faith, and what 
are usually termed 'the doctrines of grace' as taught 
by St. Paul, must be the theology of the College. . . ." 

Secondly as to Discipline: " The guardians of youth, 
in ordinary colleges, are expected to exercise parental 
authority, not at discretion, but in the execution of laws 
and statutes already enacted by higher powers. Hence, 
the pupil is the citizen of a commonwealth, obeying its 
laws, but standing on his rights and warning his gov- 
ernors not to exceed theirs ; instead of being the mem- 
ber of a family, to the head of which he is to render 
unqualified obedience, and whose will is to ba his law. 
In this state of things parental authority is removed to 
a distance, and the first lesson which the boy learns is 
his own independence. And this, it will be maintained 
by some, is precisely the kind of training proper for 
American youth, whose free-born spirit should brook 
no other. But surely the feeling of independence is 



COLLEGE GOVERNMENT. 133 

not of so slow a growth in our country that it must 
needs be fostered at school. The spirit abroad in the 
land should lead us to think rather of checks than of 
incentives, and to require subordination in the boy as 
some preparation for the sovereignty of the man. 

" But collegians, it may be said, are not boys — their 
age requires that they be governed like men, not by 
the will of their superiors, but by a code of laws, to 
which their guardians are amenable as w T ell as them- 
selves. This is an error. The age of collegians is the 
very period of life when they most need the discretion- 
ary guidance of parents and governors, and when no 
written laws are sufficient to regulate their conduct. 
From fourteen to eighteen is the most critical period 
of human life. It is the age of feeling and passion, and 
consequently the age of danger, and then shall the 
youth be allowed all at once to judge for himself? 
Then may there be a sudden relinquishment of pa- 
ternal control? No; then, more than ever, he needs 
the care and counsel of his guardians, and therefore 
then, more especially, should he be taught the duty 
of a ready acquiescence in their will. Surely the rapids 
in the stream of life are not the place for dispensing 
with the pilot. 

"It may be objected that such government leaves 
too much room for caprice and even tyranny in the 
preceptor. But the preceptor is answerable to pub- 
lic opinion. If he play the petty despot he will soon 
lose his subjects, for the parent has the right of remov- 
ing his child, and the child has the privilege of pri- 



134 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

vate communication with the parent. This is a suf- 
ficient check on the abuse of power, and it should 
always be secured. 

" The discipline contended for is not easy in practice, 
since it supposes a provision for parental interest and 
affection, as well as for parental power, and without a 
good degree of the former, the latter will be unavail- 
ing. But the former can hardly be expected where 
the business of education is adopted merely as a means 
of livelihood and abandoned as soon as possible for a 
more agreeable or more lucrative employment. 

"There may, in such cases, be able, conscientious, 
and effective instruction; but the influence and control 
over the pupil, here supposed necessary, can only be 
where education is undertaken from views of duty and 
with the same benevolence of motives that leads to 
the sacred ministry. Then there will be a hold on 
the respect and affection of the pupil which will make 
parental discipline a reality. And thus it should be — 
Education should be not only a learned but a sacred 
profession. Men devoted to it should be a recognized 
order in the church, and be expected to give them- 
selves to its duties with the philanthropic and self- 
denying spirit of the Christian missionary.' , 

Dr. Muhlenberg had now a more complete work 
and a larger field for his peculiar talent and expe- 
rience, but with these came a corresponding increase 
of care and a demand upon him for attention to de- 
tails which only the sacredness of the cause could 
make acceptable. 



CARES AND PRAYERS. 135 

A glimpse of this is found in a page of his journal 
of these days. It is part of one of those codes of rules, 
or promises, with which, his life through, he was in 
the habit of disciplining himself. 

". . . . I will endeavor continually to remember 
that I am working in the service of Jesus Christ and 
must therefore do patiently what he sets me at, whether 
it seem great or small in my eyes." 

" I will avoid unprofitable talk about plans for the 
future, and go steadily on with the work of the hour." 

" I will pursue more methodically my endeavors for 

the religious welfare of the boys The cares 

of the College and School are the cross which I must 
bear for Jesus Christ's sake. When I think of this, I 
go cheerfully to work and can make the most trifling 
duty a religious act. Lord, grant me the spirit of con- 
tentment, and grace to abide patiently in my lot. 
help me, blessed Saviour — strength, strength, strength, 
that is what I want! deny it not to me, thy poor 
but loving disciple ! . . . ." 

The Institute and the College were one and the 
same thing. The wholesome strictness and tender 
sympathy which had not failed to yield good fruit 
in the former, were brought to bear with equal zeal 
upon the latter. By degrees, it may be that the exte- 
rior machinery of the College became more prominent; 
showing mbre of the formalities, as well as the love 
and spirit of order; but there was never any substitute 
of the artificial and the showy, for the sincere and the 
substantial. Alike in the School and in the College, 



136 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

from beginning to end, the professors and instructors. 
as well as the rector, when released from the restraint 
of the class-room and chair of office, went among the 
students with the utmost freedom and familiarity; 
both parties standing on that ground of unaffected 
sincerity and mutual kind feeling which was always 
the sure basis of the discipline of Dr. Muhlenberg's 
Institutions. 

A record of his individual dealings with his boys, 
in matters great as well as small, w T ere the data for 
such obtainable, would form a very interesting and 
instructive volume. Few preceptors have known their 
pupils as he knew his; and fewer yet, perhaps, have 
been as naturally qualified for understanding them. 
He used to say that for true teaching, as well as for 
the ministry, a threefold call was necessary, namely, 
that of " Nature, Grace, and Education. 1 ' Eminently was 
he, thus, thrice endowed. He possessed, especially, a 
rare skill for leading his charge to unfold any wrong- 
doing of which they were guilty. Like St. Paul, being 
crafty he caught them " with guile." He knew how to 
throw himself into their particular weaknesses and 
temptations. " And he made you feel so comfortable," 
said one of his latest sons, " even when probing you 
to the quick, leading you on, sympathizing with and 
helping you, where another would have given you a 
flogging." 

Sometimes an improvised rhyme, or a witty word, 
would substitute a graver rebuke. Thus, to one who 
was talking grandiloquently of "our glorious Union 



DIFFERENT SORTS OF SIXXERS. 137 

and its star-spangled banner," Dr. Muhlenberg (never 
forgetful of the blot, now happily effaced, with which 
that glory was then ' tarnished) instantly replied: " Oh 

yes; 

"The stars are the scars, 
And the stripes are the wipes, 
Of the lash on the negro's back." 

With gentle irony, a delicate weapon which he knew 
well how to wield, he sent to a rather self-righteous 
young disciple a slip of paper bearing within, simply 
this — no other word — 

" 18th hymn corrected — 3rd verse — 

"I did seek thee when a stranger 
Looking for the fold of God; 
J, to save my soul from danger, 
Earned redemption in thy blood." 

To another, denouncing too vehemently, the wrong- 
doing of a companion, he said " Ah ! my dear — , the 

Lord has a good many different sorts of sinners"; thus, 
irresistibly compelling the accuser to look within. 

This is how he dealt with a youth in whom he dis- 
cerned some vain-gloriousness as to his performances 
in the chapel choir. It was the young man's duty to 
get the number of the psalm and hymn for the service, 
and going one Sunday morning to Dr. Muhlenberg for 
the purpose, while the latter was turning over the 
leaves of the Prayer Book, apparently making a selec- 
tion, the youth began to speak of the music of the 
preceding Sunday, somewhat in this wise : ;i We did 



138 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

pretty well in the choir last Sunday?" "Yes," without 
lifting his head. "That anthem went finely, I think" 
— fishing for the praise which he had looked for after 
singing it, but did not receive. ""Yes," still turning 
over the leaves. Presently, thinking the Doctor rather 
long, he said, "What shall we sing to-day, sir?" The 
Doctor lifted his head, and said gravely, " Why, let us 
sing to the praise and glory of — 'John Smith' — (bor- 
rowing a name) such and such a psalm and hymn." 
The individual, now a clergyman of the church, 
frankly told this story against himself, adding that 
from that time forth, at any rising of the old self- 
complacency these words of the beloved pastor and 
teacher would come back forcibly to him. 



CHAPTER X. 

1839-1843. 

Exclusion of Emulation as an Incentive. — How it Worked. — No Tolerance 
of Inferior Scholarship. — Examination of 1839. — Instructors Educated 
in Institution. — The Faculty. — Dimensions of Buildings. — Other Sta- 
tistics. — Dr. Muhlenberg's Proprietorship. — Physical Culture of Stu- 
dents. — Boating. — A Summer Evening Scene. — Impressiveness of the 
Place. — Noon-tide Chapel Service. — Religious Efforts Beyond the Col- 
lege. — Chapel Services on the Great Festivals. — ^Esthetic not Ritual- 
istic. — Music and Song. — The Wreath-makers' Ballad. — Ode for the 
Ashburton Dinner. — Unresting Originating Power. — Numerous Educa- 
tional Plans. — An Order of Christian Teachers for the Church. — Cadets' 
Hall. — Prose Compositions. — A Birthday in Retirement. — Spiritual Ex- 
ercises. — His Christian Watchfulness. 

Ax important and distinguishing feature of Dr. Muhl- 
enberg's plan of education, it has been seen, was the 
substitution of Christian endeavor for emulation, as an 
incentive to study. No other stimulants for learning 
were sought than those furnished by motives of duty, 
with such rewards and punishments as seemed, natu- 
rally and equitably, consequent on the performance or 
neglect of duty, and thus every task that was mastered 
strengthened the moral principle. This was distinct 
from the religious character of the Institution, which 
might have been sustained in connection with a mode 
of discipline, based on the usual system of rewards and 
punishments. It would be interesting to compare the 
results of this method, as to scholarship, with those of 



140 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

contemporary seminaries of % learning, where the ordi- 
nary prize system was employed. At this distance of 
time, any such comparison is of course impossible, but 
at the outset Dr. Muhlenberg had said: " Religion is 
the basis of the School, but Religion shall not be taken 
into account for inferior scholarship," and he eminently 
carried out his resolution. 

For the sake of the great principle involved in the 
incentives employed, a passage from a letter relating to 
the examination of 1839, is of interest. It is from one 
of the visitors of the occasion, who, speaking of the 
exercises of the classical department says: 

"The examination was far beyond any thing of the 
kind to which we have been accustomed. . . . Pas- 
sages taken at random from the Medea of Euripides, 
Homer, Demosthenes, Horace, etc., were translated ac- 
curately, neatly, and often beautifully; then analyzed 
and parsed. Portions were also recited memoriter in 
the original. Suddenly the professor would call for the 
remainder of the passage in English, then go back to 
the original, and the students would, without hesitation, 
fulfil the required task. Nothing but the most thor- 
ough training and very great diligence could have ef- 
fected such results. . . ." The professor referred to, 
the Rev. J. G. Barton, was educated in the Institute, 
and at that time, with the exception of three of the 
older professors, all the instructors in the academical 
department were men educated by Dr. Muhlenberg.* 

* The Faculty of St. Paul's College in the Session of 1840-41 was 
composed as follows: Rev. William Augustus Muhlenberg, D.D., Eec- 






PROPRIETORSHIP OF COILEGE. 141 

The range of buildings constituting St. Paul's College 
and Grammar School, as completed in 1840, measured 
two hundred and thirty-two feet in front, with a depth 
in the wings of one hundred and twenty-five feet. In 
a letter addressed to the Eegents of the University of 
New York, for the purpose of obtaining the right to 
confer degrees, dated St. Paul's College, January 13th, 
1840, and signed by the chief of the faculty of the 
Institution, the following statistics are given: "Num- 
ber of students, 105; Volumes in Libraries, 7,000; 
value of property, $70,000; annual cost of salaries of 
Professors and Instructors, $9,000." All this was the 
result of Dr. Muhlenberg's individual effort, and he re- 
mained the proprietor to the end; though not without 
repeated and earnest endeavors to transfer the whole to 

tor, Senior of the Collegiate Family and Professor of Evidences and 
Ethics of Christianity; Eev. Christian F. Cruse', D.D., Professor of 
Hebrew, Greek, and Latin Languages ; Charles Gill, Professor of Math- 
ematics and Natural Philosophy; Eev. J. G. Barton, Professor of Greek 
and Latin Languages; Newton May, M.D., Professor of Chemistry and 
Mineralogy, and Resident Physician of the Collegiate Family; Eev. 
L. Van Bokkelen, Secretary and Assisting Professor of Mathematics 
and Natural Philosophy; Eev. John B. Kerfoot, Chaplain and Assist- 
ing Professor of Greek and Latin Languages; J. Huntingdon, M.D., 
Assistant Professor of Ehetoric and Intellectual Philosophy, and Joseph 
Lipinski, Professor of the French and German Languages. The In- 
structors in the several departments under the professors, were, Jarn^s 
S. Bowdler, Eeuben Eiley, Eobert S. Howland, Charles Bancroft, and 
Henry M. Sheafe. 

All but the last named of these gentlemen became clergymen of the 
church. There were also a Professor and an Instructor in Music, and 
an Instructor of Drawing, 



142 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

some competent body, such as might insure its perma- 
nence as a church, college and literary institution. 

Amid such abundant care for the moral and intel- 
lectual training of the students, it may be assumed 
that physical culture was not overlooked. Very large 
provision was made for it. In their gardens; — each 
boy who fancied horticulture having one of his own; — 
their gymnasium ; their healthful, manly, out-door sports 
of all kinds; in the wide rural range, beautiful and se- 
cluded, for pedestrian feats, and the ample stretch of 
shore for swimming and boating, better facilities for 
the acquisition of physical vigor could not exist. Sail- 
boats were peremptorily excluded, but rowing within 
bounds, each boat with its own captain and crew, was 
a never-failing enjoyment. The bay allotted to such 
exercise, presented an animated and pleasing scene 
on a summer evening. The water all astir with boys 
and boats, colors streaming, oars flashing, young voices 
and young hearts all in merriest accord, illustrating 
the school-father's own words in the Rosy June song 
that he wrote for them — 



"The blue waves are breaking 
"With mirth on the strand 
Wild music is waking 
O'er river and land. 

Jocund breezes are blowing, 
Joy flushes the scene, 

In the tide health is flowing, 
Life bounds in the green." 



THE NOON SERVICE. 143 

The associations of these college haunts do not linger 
alone with those who grew up amongst them. Some 
visiting the Institution, as relatives of the boys, or 
friends of the Principal, can never forget how they 
felt the inspiration, the unworldliness of the place, as 
something unlike any other. The sweet simple chapel, 
looking out upon u the green pastures and still waters" 
where it was so refreshing to repair, not only morning 
and evening daily, but every day at noon-tide too, for 
a brief hallowed interval ; to hear the rector read ; with 
a force and reality all his own, a few verses from the 
Book of Life, followed by the chanting of a portion of 
the 19th Psalm, "The law of the Lord is an undefiled 
law/' which never, thenceforth, to their ears could be 
separated from the music there wedded to it; and all 
closing with a moment of silent prayer, a few collects, 
and the benediction; — not more than ten minutes oc- 
cupied by the whole. 

There was nothing obligatory in the call to this 
noon service for any one. Only those boys came who 
were inclined to do so, but there were always a num- 
ber to whom the noon-bell for this purpose, came with 
welcome summons; always a number, larger or smaller, 
of devout boys in the ranks. And how courteous and 
gentlemanly, with the manner of sons at home, were 
those young College Pointers.- 

Some of the more distinctive characteristics of Dr. 
Muhlenberg's educational work have been felicitously 
touched by the pen of one familiar, through an alumnus 
of the College, both with its methods and their results. 



144 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

The following is an extract: "Without the objection- 
able features of the great English schools, it yet most^ 
happily reproduced their leading excellencies. The 
whole system of teaching was brought into healthful 
subordination to sound principles of Christian nurture. 
The College chapel, that bugbear of most youths in our 
ordinary American institutions, was made at once the 
centre of the whole school life, and a place of gen- 
uine attractiveness. The Church Year, which has so 
much in its beautiful order to appeal to the young 
mind, was made practically, the school year; and to- 
day, among hundreds of men, in all ranks of life, some 
of them wearing the bishop's lawn, and others the 
judge's ermine, who have gone forth from College 
Point, there is scarce one who does not date his first 
appreciation of the church's feasts and fasts from the 
solemn and glowing services in its chapel. Wisely 
coupled with this Christian nurture, was a healthful 
and manly physical culture. The legends of the boy- 
ish sports at College Point, as narrated by those who 
shared them, reads like a chapter out of Tom Brown 
at Rugby, and there is little doubt that they have given 
an impulse to reforms in similar institutions, in the 
remotest corners of the land. Bat the secret of this 
success was not any system, however excellent, nor 
any skill, however thorough. It was in the rare and 
happy qualities of the presiding mind. That mind pos- 
sessed the magnetism of Arnold without his impatience ; 
the religious earnestness of Arnold, without his ten- 
dency to speculation. And the boys caught and re- 






THE DOCTOR'S BOYS. 145 

fleeted the master s spirit. They are scattered to-day, 
from one end of the continent to the other; but they 
can no more forget, no matter what distances of time 
or space separates them from their boyhood scenes, 
that they were once the Doctor s boys, than they could 
forget their own existence. Such memories are verily 
a part of their existence, even as the influences in 
which they have their roots are a part of their char- 
acters. The principles of College Point have taken 
shape in many other schools since then, and its pupils 
have, in more than one instance, risen to be among 
the most successful educators of our day; but there is 
not one of them that would not gladly and gratefully 
own his indebtedness to the venerable friend and fa- 
ther whose loving wisdom and patient labors inaugu- 
rated a new era in the Christian nurture of our youth, 
and lifted the church, in that matter to a higher level, 
both of effort and of aspiration." * 

It would be for some of those who came personally 
under Dr. Muhlenberg's remarkable power as a Chris- 
tian educator to do justice to this period of his life; 
one of these thus writes: "A thorough scholar himself, 
the standard of scholarship in his schools was always 
high. But education, with him, meant something 
more than Greek and Latin and mathematics. The 
boy's soul was of greater value than his mind, and we 
think we may say that, without exception, of the hun- 
dieds upon hundreds of boys who have been at various 

* Eev. Henry 0. Potter, D.D. 
10 



146 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

times under Dr. Muhlenberg's charge, there was not 
one whom he did not strive to benefit spiritually. He 
thoroughly understood a boy's nature, and knew the 
way to his heart, and religion was ever presented as a 
thing to be loved, not to be dreaded and shunned. It 
was a real thing. There was nothing in the discipline 
or the whole system of the school that presented the 
appearance of being in conflict with the teachings 
of the chapel. Lent, without being made repulsive, was 
sombre; it made itself felt through all departments. 
Holy Week was quiet, and Good Friday like a day of 
mourning. Profane boys were not, knowingly, retained 
in the school. Irreligious boys, no matter what their 
other qualifications, could not be in the chapel choir; 
and wrong-doing, according to its degree, was fol- 
lowed by suspension from the choir. None but boys 
who gave some evidence of piety, were allowed to be 
about the chapel in decorating it. Many instances 
might be mentioned as going to show how, every- 
where and in all departments, the influence of religion 
penetrated. It was the man acting out what he be- 
lieved and felt, and this consistency and earnestness 
of his was the great secret of his influence in whatever 
he was engaged."* 

Another says : " His was the first idea and achieve- 
ment of the church's Christian school; with high gen- 
uine learning, with free thought and hearty faith, with 
gentle, refining culture, conjoined with honest, sturdy 

* Eev. W. A. Matson, D.D. 



OUTSIDE LABORS. 147 

scriptural morals and devotion, trie love of the Saviour 
wedded to manly honor and truthfulness, all inspiring 
this pastor and preceptors very self into the inner life 
of his young disciples." * 

The benefits of the chapel were not confined to the 
collegiate family. Neighbors and visitors from outside 
loved to resort thither; and Dr. Muhlenberg's godly 
zeal and energy diffused a powerful religious influence 
far beyond the College precincts. The instructors who 
were candidates for the ministry were encouraged to 
serve as missionaries at appointed stations, others were 
sent as lay-readers to untaught places; and the rector 
himself, in the first years of the Institute, held Cottage- 
meetings from house to house. A wonderful worker he 
was, unremittingly impelled by his sense of Christian 
responsibility as to the use of time and opportunity; 
and with a wonderful, though almost unconscious, 
power for inspiring those around him with similar 
action. 

All his pupils, whatever their maturer ecclesiastical 
opinions, agree as to the impressiveness of the religious 
services of the school — 

"Its chapel, prayer, and praise, 

With songs and rites that made them love 
The church's festal days." 

The word ritualism was not in vogue then, nor for 
long after, as applied to worship imitative of, or "ad- 
vanced" towards, Eomish ceremonial; and, however 

* Bishop Kerfoot. 



148 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

abounding in material expression the observance of 
fast and festival in St. Paul's College may have been, 
it would not, in the present technical sense of the word, 
be called "ritualistic." There was nothing in it of ec- 
clesiology or mere prescription, — it was original with 
Dr. Muhlenberg. Said one who for fifteen years was 
under its influence, first as a pupil and later as teacher, 
" It was the poetry, of which evangelical truth was 
the concrete. The chapel was brilliant on the great 
festivals with candles and emblems. At the Christmas 
services a picture of the Virgin and Holy Child, was 
placed above the altar, wreathed with holly. On Good 
Friday, a picture of the crucifixion, with drapery of 
black. On Easter, oh how glorious the service which 
began with the rising sun ! There were the bright 
lights and the fragrant flowers; among these always 
the Calla lily and the hyacinth. . . In that chapel 
many young hearts made the resolve which led on to 
the holy ministry, of which, in its highest type, the 
loving teacher, and eloquent preacher, was so perfect 
an exponent." * 

In some late words of Dr. Muhlenberg's regarding 
the peculiar services of the College chapel, he says: 4i Jf 
we practised more or less of ritualism, it was certainly 
not of the Eomish type, but the product of imagi- 
nation in accordance with the verities of our religion. 
As educational means, I believe these services had only 
a happy effect on the minds of the young, though some 

* Rev. Dr. L. Van Bokkelen. 



NOT OF THE ROMISH TYPE. 149 

of my brethren in the ministry, formerly my pupils, 
say that they were the germs of their present taste for 
churchly ceremonial and ornamented (?) services." 

He made carols, songs, and hymns, and the tunes for 
them. Among these double compositions at this time, 
were " Jesus' name shall ever be," " Jerusalem, Jerusa- 
lem," "The mellow eve is gliding," and the well-known 
Christmas piece, "Carol, brothers, carol." 

In 1842 he wrote a pendant to this last, with the 
same tune and chorus, which he called the "Wreath- 
makers' Ballad." The production of this little piece 
was made the occasion of one of those sweet, home- 
like condescensions, common to St. Paul's College. 
Dr. Muhlenberg kept the composition a secret, except 
towards a few chosen singers and musicians, whose 
aid he needed, and when these were well practised 
for a performance, he led them — they and their instru- 
ments decked with evergreens — into the room where 
the wreath-makers were at work for the Christmas 
decorations of the chapel. Then came the full burst 
of harmony and song, to the surprised delight of the 
boys. The following is the first verse of the ballad, 

"Go ye to the woodland, 

Where the laurel grows, 
Where the running vine is 

Green beneath the snows, 
Bring ye goodly branches, 

Cedar, box, and pine, 
To make the chapel beauteous, 

Wreath on wreath we'll twine." 



150 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

He often led the young choristers himself, both on 
the organ and in singing, having a surpassingly fine 
baritone voice, which — his scholars say — carried all 
before him. 

The above-mentioned lyric was of course designed 
to be sung by those engaged in arraying the chapel 
for Christmas. It is an illustration of the graceful, 
hallowed sentiment with which, in the least particu- 
lars, he sought to invest any service of the sanctuary ; 
and again, of his genuine delight in beautifying the 
house of the Lord, independently of any traditional or 
ecclesiastical prescription; reminding one here of St. 
Jerome, in his panegyric on his friend Xepotian, where 
he makes it a part of the " commendable character" of 
the latter, that he "took care to have every thing 
neat and clean about the church, and made flowers, 
and leaves, and branches of trees contribute to the 
beauty and order of the holy place." . . . " These 
were but small things," says St. Jerome, ' ; but a pious 
mind, devoted to Christ, is intent upon things, great 
and small, and neglects nothing that may deserve the 
name of the very meanest office in the church." * 

Another and very different composition of this period 
was the Ode sung at the dinner given to Lord Ash- 
burton by the merchants of New York on the con- 
clusion of the treaty (Aug., 1842), which settled the 
northeastern boundary, and other questions of long 
dispute between Great Britain and the United States. 

* Bingham's Antiquities of the Christian Church. 



THE ASHBURTOX DIXXER. 151 

Dr. Muhlenberg had greatly at heart the amity of 
the two countries. In the year 1838, Jan. 4th, he had 
written in his journal: "Trouble on the border. The 
Canadians have burned an American steamboat. 4 
God, who makest wars to cease, interpose with thy 
Spirit and let not war disturb our land. Avert from us 
its horrors, nor let the unnatural sight be seen of sister 
nations engaged in strife and bloodshed.' " He had so 
painfully appreciated the dangerous position of affairs 
that the sealing of peace through the Ashburton treaty 
was a pure joy to his heart; and although making it 
a rule to decline all invitations to dinner-parties, and, 
certainly, never attending public dinners, the cause 
of the present festivity so exhilarated him, that almost 
spontaneously, he threw off the first stanza of this 
gratulatory ode. Then he hesitated, questioning if it 
were consistent in a clergyman to indite a song for a 
convivial occasion. He was encouraged by his friend 
Dr. Wainwright to complete the composition, and did 
so. It was forthwith set to music, and sung by Mr. 
Horn at the dinner, as follows: 

ODE. 

All hail to Brittannia ! henceforth we are one ! 
And hail to our guest, her American Son.* 
O'er the Lion and Eagle, now hovers the dove: 
To-day, there's a banquet of national love. 

* So called from his American relations. Lord Ashburton married a Miss 
Bingham of Philadelphia, and their son William, who succeeded his father in the 
title, was born in that city. 



152 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

Chorus. 
O long live their glory, united and free, 
The Imperial West, and the Queen of the Sea, 

The Cross of St. George, and Columbia's Stars, 
Oh! ne'er be they stained in unnatural wars; 
With the olive entwine them — a sign to the world 
Of freedom and peace, wherever unfurled; 

Chorus. 
O long live their glory, united and free, 
The Imperial West, and the Queen of the Sea. 

By our ancestors' blood— by the spirit they breathed; 

By their time-honored laws— by the rights they bequeathed* 

By the muses, the sages, of soul-ruling powers; 

By a Burke and a Chatham, though Britain's yet ours: 

Chorus. 

O long live their glory, united and free, 

The Imperial West, and the Queen of the Sea. 

By Letters, by Science, by all that can bind, 
In links never broke, heart to heart, mind to mind; 
More than all by our Faith — that bulwark of might, 
To the Buler and ruled— Magna Charta of right; 

Chorus. 
O long live their glory, united and free, 
The Imperial West, and the Queen of the Sea. 

Bright day for the earth when her two freest lands, 
In concord anew have plighted their hands, 
One more to the compact of Liberty sealed; 
For the sake of mankind to be never repealed; 

Chorus. 
Then long live their glory, united and free, 
The Imperial West, and the Queen of the Sea. 



AN ORDER OF TEACHERS. 153 

With Dr. Muhlenberg's unresting originating power, 
numerous projects in the interest of Christian educa- 
tion floated through his mind in these days, and not 
all of them wholly abortive, though of too remote or 
transient a character to claim attention here. Two of 
the number may be excepted, which took so much 
of substantial form as to clothe themselves in a printed 
prospectus, in connection with his existing work. The 
one, "A Fund for the Education of Teachers, in the 
Protestant Episcopal Church," was a development of 
his deep conviction of the necessity of an order of 
trained teachers, in the church, who should choose the 
office as a vocation, on the same high and self-sacri- 
ficing principle, as a choice for the ministry is as- 
sumed to imply. An organization was formed; a re- 
sponsible body of trustees created, and some funds 
raised which inured to the support of a number of 
prospective teachers, under the auspices of St. Paul's 
College, but was no further extended. 

Some words of Dr. Muhlenberg's, in urging this 
design, ought not to be lost, "The education of en- 
lightened Christian teachers," he wrote, "is second only 
to the education of the clergy, and is equally the prop- 
er business of the church. Provision for it should be 
permanent and large. Christianity, in order to retain 
her ascendency in the land, must train up capable and 
conscientious instructors, as well as learned and faith- 
ful ministers. The pastor and the school-master should 
go hand in hand. It is the policy of infidelity to 
sever them. Let it be the wisdom and the patriotism 



154 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

of Christianity to "unite them, until everywhere, the 
Church, the College, and the School be regarded as a 
common cause." 

The other project grew out of the ardent desire, 
which was ever present with him, to do more for poorer 
boys. He had always a number of free scholars in the 
Institute and College; one tenth of the whole was his 
rule, and these were always youths supposed to show 
some fitness for the sacred ministry, or for teaching* 
But the remaining nine-tenths, in order to his making 
ends meet, had to be students able to pay three hun- 
dred dollars a year for their board and tuition, and 
with his deep sympathy for the poor of Christ's flock, 
he grudged giving himself so largely to the sons of 
the rich. In this feeling he planned a distinct estab- 
lishment on the College grounds, which he proposed 
should be called "Cadets' Hall," for the training of 
young soldiers of the church militant from among an- 
other class than that of most of his scholars. There 
were to be plainer accommodations and a plainer edu- 
cation, at a cost not exceeding one hundred dollars a 
year, taking into account certain labors to be performed 
by the boys as a compensation in part for their main- 
tenance; a plan approximately carried out, it may be 
added, thirty years later at St, Johnland. 

It failed to come to pass at College Point, when every 
thing promised well for its initiation, mainly, it would 
seem, through the withdrawal of the young clergyman 
upon whom Dr. Muhlenberg had relied to take the in- 
ternal headship of the Institution. He was always more 



A BIRTHDAY IN RETIREMENT. 155 

concerned for the right sort of workers than for pecu- 
niary means, largely as his projects demanded of the 
latter; and had a regal way of saying, "What is money? 
Only let us have the man ! " Again: " Money will not 
make the man for the work, but the right man will, in 
time, secure the money." 

Numerous prose compositions, longer or shorter, were 
produced during this educational period, principally 
for the use or benefit of the School and College, 
but some for the church at large. Among the latter 
may be named Hints on Catholic Union, in 1835;* 
Claims of the Holy Week, 1840,f and Devotions for 
Holy Week, with the Litany of the Passion, in 1842. 
The Collects of this Litany, so beautiful in their chaste 
fervor and primitive simplicity, were afterwards incor- 
porated in the Directory of St. Johnland. % 

On the 16th of September, 1842, Dr. Muhlenberg 
completed his forty-sixth year. It was vacation time, 
and his journal shows that, with a slight interruption, 
he spent the whole day in retirement and devotion. 
His personal religion was no child's play, but the 
wrestlings of a giant for victory, or rather a meek saint's 
ceaseless agonizing in " perfecting holiness." nis en- 
lightened and delicate conscience induced an exalted 
ideal; and then he took the Gospel precepts as he 
found them, in their native force and directness, not 
weakening, or attempting to explain away, as some 
do, the passages, "Be ye perfect," "If any shall smite 

* Ev. Cath. Papers, First Series, p. 11. 
t Ibid., p. 598. t Ibid., p. 59. 



156 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

thee on the one cheek," " Give to him that asketh of 
thee," and the like, but making such his standard of 
Christian duty in their plain and obvious meaning. 

In all that appears in his diary of these spiritual 
conflicts, it is remarkable that the antagonist he most 
strenuously and persistently does battle with, is what 
he calls his " constitutional indolence." In the face of 
his pre-eminence in good works, and the labor iousn ess 
of his service for the church, this sounds like an 
affectation or distortion of conscientiousness. But not 
so. He was too real to affect any thing, and too sen- 
sible to be mistaken. Moreover, beyond most, he un- 
derstood himself. 

There were strong opposites in his nature. He had 
an excitable imagination, lively sensibility, and great 
mental activity, yet, was undoubtedly, all along, tor- 
mented by a physical vis inertice, which was only con- 
quered through very vigorous and unremitting effort. 
"Mr. Supine," he would sometimes, half-sadly, half-play- 
fully call himself; or again: "I feel like a log floating 
on the sluggish stream of life ; but a divine breath stirs 
the air, and I resuscitate." In his boyhood he had 
written, "I should be the happiest of mortals if I 
could be industrious," and in the first year of his min- 
istry in Lancaster, we find him saying, " Once more 
I have determined to keep a diary, to record my expe 
rience, and how I spend my time, hoping through God' 
grace, it will be a check on my indolence." 

It is said "we are most that, of which we are least 
conscious." It was eminently so here. Dr Muhlen- 



HIS CHRISTIAN WATCHFULNESS. 157 

berg never seemed aware how great a worker he was, 
nor could he understand any chance compliment paid 
him to that effect. To a him that overcometh," is the 
seven-fold promise; this may explain the paradox of 
a naturally indolent temperament, w T ith an abundantly 
fruitful life. The higher the house is, the deeper must 
be the foundation, and the conflict was probably all 
the more severe, that it was so little apparent; though 
those nearest to him were always, well aware of his 
jealousy in "redeeming the time." With St. Paul the 
habitual sentiment of his life was, "Not as though I 
had already attained." Were it proper to transcribe the 
more secret exercises of his soul, what has been feebly 
said above would be very powerfully and encouragingly 
illustrated ; making it evident that his superior growth 
in holiness was less the result of any extraordinary 
spiritual gifts, than of the ordinary grace of God, most 
persistently and earnestly used. 

A single leaf from these Sacra Privata, may be given 
as exhibiting his Christian watchfulness in another di- 
rection: "I have just read M 's reply to B . I 

have no doubt of the correctness of his representations, 

B is an intolerant man — save me, God, from a 

similar spirit. In thy providence I have many persons 
and things under my control, but grant I may never set 
up undue claims. May I always recognize the rights 
of others; may I never expect a mean dependence and 
servile compliance from those whom I have benefited, 
or laid under obligations. Let me be always patient, 
condescending, and forbearing. give me the mind 



158 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

of Jesus Christ. I know the danger I am in of looking 
for too much deference from those about me. But 
save me. Guide and direct me always. Preserve me 
from personal vanity. I would hide myself wholly be- 
hind my Saviour. Take me as an instrument, my 
God, and use me for thy glory ! " 



CHAPTER XI. 

1843- 1844. 

Fifteen Years of Unbroken Service. — Onerous Labors. — A Holiday. — Trac- 
tarianism. — Its Impression on him. — Notes from Journals. — Voyage to 
Europe. — Arnold Buffam. — Sight-seeing. — A Breakfast at Oriel. — John 
Henry Newman. — Dr. Pusey. — Ravished with Oxford. — In Paris. — The 
Wesley an Chapel. — The Saintly Professor. — Preparations for Return. — 
A sincere Prayer Answered. — His Ecclesiastical Position. 

The prime of Dr. Muhlenberg's life was spent in the 
toilful seclusion of his school and college ; and without 
any more remission, during fifteen years, than the or- 
dinary school vacation. He went on, session after ses- 
sion, throwing himself with sincerest interest into the 
present concerns, and future welfare, of his young 
charge; making a parent's allowances for failure, yet 
never relaxing the standard of excellence at which 
they were to aim, always looking steadily at the end 
set before him, amidst the continual heedlessness, per- 
verse ness, and unthankfulness incident to the task. 

Did he never weary all this while, his courage never 
flag, nor his spirits droop ? Sometimes. His strong 
faith never faltered, nor was he ever left without that 
which he esteemed his greatest reward — namely, tokens 
of God's grace working in the hearts of some of his 
scholars ; but the secular cares inseparable from his po- 



160 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. - 

sition often pressed heavily upon him, and so many con- 
tinuous years of school routine, sensibly crushed down 
the natural elasticity of his mind. 

After being in harness nine years, he had written: 
"I feel 'stale,' as the boys say, and need freshening. 
. . . At fifty I shall be superannuated, unless I have 

a little play-spell School, school, school ! 

Boys ! Servants ! — I fear I shall be an irritable old 
man if I remain surrounded by these vexations, with- 
out a chance of rallying my strength." 

Nature and Common Sense, as well as Christian Pru- 
dence cried " stop awhile," and, thus impelled, he made 
those plans for a two years' sojourn abroad, which were 
so painfully set aside by the death of his only brother. 

In the year 1843, the long-sought opportunity of ab- 
sence came, but only as a summer holiday. Questions 
were, at that time, agitating the church on both sides 
of the Atlantic, which on his part gave heightened in- 
terest to a visit to England. Tractarianism was at its 
height. Dr. Pusey and John Henry N0Wmatt were on 
every one's lips. The earnestness of these leading 
minds, and of the Oxford men generally, had greatly 
impressed Dr. Muhlenberg. He read their works, and 
felt their subtle power, while by no means prepared to 
accept their fundamental church principles. "Like all 
great movements, this of the Tractarians had its min- 
gled elements, and while in reality, it was based on 
dogmatic and ecclesiastical claims, which made it most 
uncatholic, there were at the outset, certain features 
that won the sympathy of many devout minds. To 



TRACTARIANISM. 161 

them it seemed the awakening of the sleeping forces of 
the church of Christ. Who does not remember how it 
kindled Christian art and poetry, created new plans of 
charity, built free chapels and threw off the cold for- 
malism of the service ? With men of the large spirit of 
Dr. Muhlenberg, it was impossible to regard it without 
appreciation of such true features." * 

He was, for some three years, more or less positive- 
ly, under the influence of these sentiments. He read 
Newman's and Manning's Sermons in the College 
chapel, and the Instructors became faster scholars in 
the essential teachings of those writers than himself. 
We do not find any sermons from his own pen, at 
this period, and his journals make only slight allu- 
sions to the new ecclesiastical element, germinating 
in the Institution. These memoranda are more bro- 
ken and fragmentary than formerly, but they are 
filled, as heretofore, with minutes of his engrossing 
daily cares, and the old, never-ceasing strivings for 
the salvation of his boys. Now and then, appear jot- 
tings, glancing at "Puseyism," and which as inci- 
dentally showing us something of the workings of 
his mind on that subject are worth transcribing. 
After one of the voluntary meetings, he writes: 

"We might have a genuine revival of religion, for 
the boys are ready for it, but I am left so much alone. 
The Instructors are excellent men, but do not feel called 
upon to make special efforts for the conversion of incli- 

* Eev. E. A. Washburn, D.D. 
11 



162 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG, 

vidual boys. Our present state is certainly unfavorable 
to zeal." 

" . . . . Read one of Bishop Bull's sermons in the 
chapel. I must pay more attention to these sound Eng- 
lish divines. — They say Oxford divinity puts Christ 
out of sight — not in my soul. Blessed Jesus, thou 
knowest from first to last, — Thou art my only hope. 
My own righteousness? I abhor it." 

". • . . Went to see Morse's telegraph — wonder- 
ful invention. With democracy and the advancement 
of physical science, man will be Lord, instead of God. 
I see another antichrist than that of Rome." 

". . . , Bought Watts' Divine Songs for Children 
at the American Tract Society, and some engravings at 
the Sunday School Union. Somehow I have a remain- 
ing affection for these ' Schismatical Shops.'" 

".*... Called on Dr. . Told him I agreed 

to his article in the Churchman on Toleration of the 
Romanizers, but that it must be extended equally in 
the other direction. 'No, no/ he exclaimed, 'in that 
quarter there must be extermination.' 'Then,' said I, 
4 We part company,' and part company we must in 
church matters, for I shall not fall into his ranks. — I 
told him he failed in being a great man, just where so 
many have failed: 'To party gave up what was meant 
for mankind.' " 

He sailed for England in the ship Siddons, the end 
of April, 1843, taking with him two of his graduated 
pupils as travelling companions. The College was left 
in the hands of a competent corps of professors and 



FRIEND BUFFAM. 163 

instructors, with the Rev. Dr. Wainwright, afterwards 
Bishop of N&w York, in the rector's place, as its re- 
sponsible head; the secular affairs of the institution, 
meanwhile, devolving upon the Rev. Liber tus Van 
Bokkelen, one of his church sons, and for many years 
his most efficient business associate, as secretary of 
the Institute and College. 

The letters and journals of this holiday show the 
joyous rebound of his spirits, let loose from their 

long pressure. His first letter to , at College 

Point, written at sea, illustrates pleasingly his merry 
humor and other features of his character. The fol- 
lowing is an extract: 

"We shot off* from Sandy Hook with a stiff north- 
wester that carried away two of our sails during the 
night. The motion made me sick, but I was well 
again by the next night, and so have continued with 
a good appetite and excellent spirits ever since. I 
have read a great deal, and written two sermons, 
preaching yesterday, and the Sunday preceding. On 
the first Sunday we were out, I read only the service ; 
so many of the passengers were sick, any thing more 
was not desirable. . . . You would be gratified 
to see what an American I show myself, already. 
There is an Old Hickory Quaker abolitionist on board, 
who, in his zeal against slavery, abuses his own coun- 
try so outrageously, before a number of Englishmen, 
that I can not help telling him my mind on some 
points, even at the expense of being thought a slavery 
man by the passengers. He is a very sharp old fel 



164 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

low, and has all his facts ready, so that I do not ven- 
ture to encounter him in argument. We have often 
wished you were here, and then we should have rare 
sport. He is quite a spouter, and is going to the 
'World's Convention' to be held in London on sla- 
very, where I dare say he will make a figure. Per- 
haps you have heard of him — Arnold Buffara. He 
is the most conspicuous character among us, and has 
contributed not a little to relieve the monotony of the 
voyage. A German gentleman on board seriously ob- 
served to P , whom by the way the old abolition- 
ist vexes exceedingly by breaking down P 's reg- 
ular logic with his facts (Alas ! that he has so many 
facts) — 'that we must look after that old felJow in 
England, or he will do our country a great deal of 
harm.' — So you see, we are going to look after him, 
and are devising what we shall do to keep him from 
going to the 'World's Convention' — for only think of 
the tall, gray-headed, gold-spectacled patriarch stand- 
ing in his place at Exeter Hall, and telling the thou- 
sands there, that 'for the last forty years the Amer- 
ican Congress has not passed one act except for the 
benefit of the Southern States, so much does the slave- 
holding interest predominate over every other in the 
country'— and that 'the object of the Southerners in 
the last war was only that the English might destroy 
the Northern cities and towns' — and similar speeun^s 
that he has made to us. It will never do — we must 

contrive some measures for gagging him, for P- ■ 

vows he's a regular traitor. Accordingly, should you 



MR. NEWMAN. 165 

hear of our getting into difficulty, by an attempt on 
the old gentleman, you must set it to the account of 
my amor patrke. After all, to tell you the truth, I con- 
sider ; Friend Buffam ' a genuine American — that is. he 
carries out our American principles, as they are held 
in the abstract, to their legitimate consequences. In 
politics, religion, and his utilitarian philosophy, he 
is a genuine Democrat." 

The trip was an enjoyable one. He kept lively run- 
ning notes of the journey throughout, which show that 
while he did his duty diligently in sight-seeing, accord- 
ing to the guide-books, he acquainted himself besides 
with many persons and places, more interesting to the 
philanthropist than to the ordinary tourist. He looked 
into the English factories and visited a colliery, de- 
scending a shaft to the mine for the purpose ; inform- 
ing himself, as opportunity served, of the inside of 
things, and looking, with the eye of the Christian 
philosopher, upon much that escapes the common 
gaze. 

His letters of introduction .gave him access to the 
chief dignitaries, and others of the English Church, 
who treated him with marked kindness; though he 
complains that Mr. Xewman, the one above all others 
with whom he desired to converse at length, afforded 
him no opportunity to do so, albeit otherwise suffl 
ciently kind and polite. What he records of his im- 
pressions as to the latter is a testimony to his pene- 
tration and sagacity, justified by succeeding events. 

"June 26th, 1813. We breakfasted according to in- 



166 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

vitation with Mr. Newman, in the common room at 
Oriel College. Mr. N. talked a great deal, continually 
introducing new and indifferent topics, apparently with 
the view of preventing my introducing any. Ho was 
exceedingly polite, but did not seem altogether at ease. 
He was as gracious as possible, but gave no encourage- 
ment to intimacy. He said nothing which could be 
repeated to his disadvantage, or which he might not 
have said to any one the most hostile to his sentiments. 
The simplicity of his manner did not strike me as alto- 
gether real. He is not transparent, yet seems to be 
artless. If he were an accomplished Jesuit (which God 
forbid I should say he is) his manner would be, I fancy, 
just what it is. I do not believe that he is in any 
secret understanding with Rome — but I have no doubt 
that he and his immediate friends and followers have 
more sympathy with the Romanists than with any class 
of the clergy in his own church. He made tea for us, 
put the butter on our plates before Ave sat down, and 
got up from the table several times to do little matters 
while we were at breakfast." 

" Sept. 16. Took a fly with K. to Littlemore . . , 
Newman again very gracious. Had heard of me, he 
said, from Mozely and by letter from Dr. Seabury. 
Appeared very glad to see me, invited K. and myself 
right off to dine with him to-morrow at Oriel. In ten 
minutes we were in our fly again. . ." 

"Sunday, Sept 17. Heard Mr. Newman at St. Mary's 
from Isaiah — 'All things new.' (Completely himself.) 
. -.'. . . Dined with him in the common room at 



DOCTOR PUSEY. 167 

Oriel. . . . He asked questions about the Ameri- 
can Church — said 'that as so many of our clergymen 
came over from the Dissenters he thought they might 
be likely to go further, i. e., to Rome.' He bade us 
good-by, very kindly. Welcomes the coming, speeds 

the parting guest. K thinks I am too suspicious 

of Newman." 

He had a more satisfactory interview with Dr. Pusey, 
which he thus describes: 

" Called on Dr. Pusey at Christ Church College. 
He, sent word by his servant woman that he was sick, 
but that he would see me. I hesitated at first, but 
went in — found him lying on his sofa, his room rather 
in confusion, filled with books, papers, etc. I had 
sent in my general letters from the bishops, and 
after sitting a little w r hile gave my letter from Dr. 
Seabury, with the American edition of his letter to 
the Bishop of Oxford, with the marginal notes of the 
Florida popish priest. Thinking I had come on a beg- 
ging expedition, Dr. P. said he feared I would find 
them so much oppressed by their own objects, that I 
could not do much, but I soon relieved him of his 
mistake. He then talked freely and very kindly. He 
dwelt upon the want of men — men of plain, good sense 
and warm hearts — to labor among the common people, 
for which they w 7 ould be qualified without a university 
education. I told him that in America we felt the same 
want, and that some of our bishops would be glad to 
have provision made for ordaining men, as deacons, to 
advance no further in the ministry. He thought they 



168 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

would have to come to that in England. ' Such men,' 
he observed, 'might be more useful in certain situations 
than better-educated men. They could enter more into 
the feelings of plain people, and use their plain lan- 
guage, often more expressive and affecting than our 
Latinized English both in conversation and preaching.' 
He said he noticed a great increase of seriousness 
among the young men of the university, and on this 
and other ^subjects connected with the prospects of the 
church spoke as a devout man full of faith in God." 

In relation to this interview with Dr. Pusey a little 
incident of seven years later date, may be mentioned. 
Dr. P., in inquiring of some American guests about 
Dr. Muhlenberg, said: " He was the most interesting 
visitor we ever had from the other side." When this 

was repeated to Dr. M , he instantly disclaimed it, 

saying — "Dr. Pusey has forgotten, or makes a mistake; 

he meant some one else; Dr. , probably." But the 

mistake was Dr. Muhlenberg's. 

He was ravished with Oxford itself: " Oh the sur- 
passing beauty of those academic shades ! The sweet 
gardens of St. John's College, can I ever forget that 
Eden — Magdalene College — The beautiful cloisters, the 
velvet sward, Addison's walk ! What shall I say of 
my emotions on first seeing these venerable seats of 
religion and learning. Their hallowed air — their som- 
bre elegance — their exquisite architecture ! " 

The month of August was spent in Paris, visiting 
all the usual points and places of interest, getting a 
glimpse of the glittering shows, and seeing- more than 



THE WE'SLEYAN CHAPEL. 169 

one specimen of the morals, of that centre of civiliza- 
tion. If he did not say, with one of his lay friends, 
passing through the gay metropolis, "I should be 
afraid of myself to stay here any length of time," he 
did say: "Often I ask myself, 'What am I doing 
here?' How much am I out of my element. I long 
to be at home again ! " 

On a certain Sunday, instead of dining, as his trav- 
elling companions did, with the chaplain of the Brit- 
ish Embassy where he had attended church in the 
morning, he writes: " Dined at the Ordinary at half- 
past five; at seven o'clock went to a Wesleyan Meth- 
odist chapel in Eue Royale. I can not help saying 
that I enjoyed myself. To pass from the gayety and 
dissipation of the Place de la Concorde, amusement and 
frolic on every side, into a little assembly of devout 
worshippers, where every thing was plain, quiet, and 
solemn, was a grateful relief. I joined heartily in the 
hymns in which all "united — the tunes Devizes and St. 
Ann's. The sermon, on the bliss of Heaven, was a 
plain and earnest discourse, and pleased me as well, 
with one or two exceptions, as any I have heard abroad 
— I can not say as much for the extemporary prayers 
which were too familiar. The preacher seemed to be 
a good man. A collection was made for the extension 
of pure religion on the Continent, to which I could not 
refrain from giving a five-franc piece. . . . If I had 
passed the evening at the chaplain's, talking about the 
amusements of Paris, etc., it would have been ' all 
right' with some of my friends, but spending an hour 



170 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

as I did, was * grievously wrong,' they thought. I fear 
my heart will always be Low Church. . . ." 

While in Paris, he fell much in love with a saintly 
French Roman Catholic, M. Meynier, whom he had en- 
gaged to give him a lesson in the language at seven 
o'clock every morning — " I am delighted with my 
French teacher," he writes, " one of God's elect. Little 
use in my attempting to learn much of French, but I 
am glad to know such a man. Here are some of the 
professor's sentiments: 'We are looking out for some- 
thing. The divine element in many is breathing night 
and day for the Holy Spirit. This element is publicly 
absent from the whole church, but stirring in the hearts 
of individuals crying unceasingly for his coming. We 
are in a transition state, waiting for a new dispensation 
that shall restore and harmonize the church. I read 
the Bible. St. Paul and St. John are better than all the 
doctors.' " 

"On my remarking," wrote Dr. M., "that Paris is 
a very bad place, the professor said, ' It is the worst 
and the best place in the world. Here are a great 
many charities and six thousand young men who de- 
vote themselves to works of piety and mercy.' " 

He made proposals to M. Meynier to return with 

him, probably with a view to his engagement in St. 

♦ 
Paul's College. The idea was entertained a little while, 

but then given up. After their final lesson, he thus 

wrote: "M, M declines going to the United States 

at present. He is looking for some manifestation of 

the church in France, and thinks it must soon appear 



HOMESICjC. 171 

— wants to see Eome again. I felt sorry in parting 
with him. He gave me an affectionate kiss on each 
cheek," 

Dr. Muhlenberg had arranged to make the passage 
home with Captain Nye in the Independence, which was 
to sail from Liverpool, Sept. 25th. In order to spend 
a few more weeks in England, he left Paris on the 
30th of August. On the point of departure he writes : 
" Spent the greater part of the morning in packing up. 
What an employment for a traveller in Paris, at such 
a time of day ! Why was I not in the Louvre again ? 
Eeally, I believe I am homesick, and there was a kind of 
comfort in communing with my portmanteau. Boys ! I 
forgive your annual disobedience, in getting down your 
trunks a week before vacation." 

He was back again among his boys, in October, 
soon after the beginning of the session. He returned 
neither confirmed nor disenchanted as to Tractarian- 
ism, but in a state of vibration, ecclesiastically, with 
undoubtedly a preponderance towards Oxford. In a 
subsequent entry in his journal, after noting several 
Anglican writers whose works he had been studying, 
he adds: "May God show me my error if I am wrong 
in thinking that these men, in the main, are right ! " 

This sincere prayer was granted. In what manner 
.an be most authentically told in his own words, as con- 
tained in a brief statement of his ecclesiastical position^ 
made for a specific purpose, in the year 1872, as follows: 

"I was never a High Churchman. Receiving my 
theology from Bishop White, the Apostolic Succession 



172 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

and Sacramentarian doctrine were alike foreign to my 
system, — if I ever had a system ; but I have been 
claimed by High Churchmen because of my Liturgic, 
or what would be now called Ritualistic, propensities, 
or, to use another word — cesthetic. 

"As for the demonstrations of my religion, they were 
a combination of the dramatic, the devout, and the 
reverential elements in my nature, sanctified more or 
less, I trust, by divine grace. I have never been an 
actor, nor cared for spectators, yet, I delighted in the 
scenic, which, as far as church performances were con- 
cerned, was, I always flattered myself, imagination 
consecrated by religion. 

"My church school at Flushing and College Point, 
so many of the pupils of which are of the High Church 
party, was not such in theory; which was, that relig- 
ious instruction, to be effective, must be according to 
some one existing system. Christianity can not be in- 
culcated in the abstract. As an Episcopalian, of course, 
I could only train my pupils as Episcopalians. On the 
same principle as a Presbyterian could only train his 
as Presbyterians. At the beginning of the Institute 
at Flushing, Bishop Hobart saw this, . and said it was 
defective in churchmanship, as my pupils would be 
taught that the Episcopal was not the one church, but 
one of the Protestant churches. Afterwards, however, 
seeing there was so much of church order in the school, 
he commended it to his diocese and once adminis- 
tered the rite of confirmation to a class from among 
the pupils. 



THE SNARE BROKEN. 173 

"When the 'Tracts for the Times' appeared, I was 
much interested in them, and still more in Mr. Xew- 
man's sermons. These, I must confess, captivated me. 
I read them frequently in the chapel of St. Paul's Col- 
lege, and frankly acknowledge that for some three 
years, I might have been classed among the Puseyites. 
Yet, how radically wanting I was in their system, may 
be judged from the fact that I never received the doc- 
trine of Baptismal Regeneration. 

"But the Instructors caught the infection, and 'Pu- 
seyism,' not however to the degree attributed to us, 
prevailed in the religious sentiment of the College. 
Then, I began to see that its logical results were Ro- 
manism; and from that, if it were the truth, I would 
not shrink. 

"Mr. Newman's 'Doctrine of Development,' fully 
opened my eyes. I well remember, how, having read 
half through the book, I tossed it from me, exclaiming, 
'My soul is escaped as a bird from the snare of the 
fowler,' and some of my then pupils, now in the min- 
istry, will recollect the emphasis with which I repeated 
to them these words : ' I was far out on the bridge, so 
to speak, that crosses the gulf between us and Rome. 
I had passed through the mists of vulgar Protestant 
prejudices, when I saw before me "The Mystery of 
Abomination." I flew back, not to rest on the pier of 
High Churchism, from which this bridge of Puseyism 
springs, but on the solid rock of Evangelical truth, as 
republished by the Reformers.' 

" When I began the Church of the Holy Communion, 



174 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

as I have often said, I was in the Penumbra of Pusey- 
ism which had its effect in giving the style to the ar- 
chitecture of the church, and particularly to the can- 
opy with its decorations, over the Holy fable. In 
defence of the latter, it must be remembeied that it 
is the Open Bible and not the Host that is there en- 
shrined. But though it is no more than what we see 
in many a Lutheran church, I could wish it had less 
the appearance of a Roman altar, considering the imi- 
tations of the Roman mass, now so often seen in our 
churches." 



CHAPTER XII. 

I 844- I 846. 

Forgetting the Things Behind. — New Subject for Creative Talent. — Con- 
templates Relinquishment of College. — What he had Accomplished 
for Christian Education. — The Church of the Holy Communion. — Why 
not St. Sacrament? — Peculiar Constitution of Parish. — Architecture of 
the Church. — Its Interior. — Evangelical Catholic Symbolism. — Church 
Opened for Divine Worship.— Consecration by Bishop Ives. — Last 
Labors for St. Paul's College. — Its End. — Success of his Educational 
Work. — Reminiscences of Scholars. — Bishop Bedell's Tribute. — Anec- 
dote. — Church Sisterhoods. — A Bow Drawn at a Venture. — The First 
Sister. — Answer to a Young Man asking his Friendship. — "Our Souls 
must work together.' ' 

" Forgetting the things that are behind," was a fa- 
vorite saying of Dr. Muhlenberg's, and indicative of 
a marked tendency of his life to press on towards the 
development of a new thought, as soon as that which 
he had in hand was fully demonstrated. At this time, 
an ideal parish occupied his field of vision, through the 
purpose of his sister, Mrs. Mary A. Sogers, in pursu- 
ance of the wishes of her deceased husband, to build 
a free church in the city of Xew York. She nPvturaily 
expected her brother should be the pastor of this 
church, and there were circumstances which seconded 
his inclinations in that direction. 

If the projected college edifice had been completed, 
it is possible he might not have felt himself equally 



176 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

at liberty to surrender his present charge, but not- 
withstanding much earnest and persistent effort to 
that end, the stone walls of the basement story re- 
mained as they were left in 1836, while the buildings 
in use at the Point, from their insufficiency of private 
rooms for the students of the higher College classes, 
had become increasingly inconvenient. 

Without a suitable permanent edifice he could not 
satisfactorily go on, and he began to be impressed with 
the conviction that he had possibly done enough for 
education hi presenting, what he believed to be, tho 
pattern of a true Christian seminary of learning. He 
was not mistaken in this conviction, for at the time 
of which we speak, schools modelled, so far as might 
be, after St. Paul's, had sprung up in all directions. 
Every diocese became ambitious to have one, and 
bishops and doctors of the church had resorted to 
College Point, and sat at his feet, as learners of his 
methods.* 

The contemplated church presented a new and de- 
lightful subject for his creative talent, and he hailed 
his sister's proposition as an opening, in the ordering 
of providence, for exemplifying his long-cherished the- 

* Among the institutions which thus had birth, the Rev. Dr. 
Libertus Van Bokkelen, names the following: The Raleigh Epia 
copal Institute, N. C. ; the High School, Alexandria, Ya. ; Rev. Dr. 
Bowman's Lancaster School, Pa.; Bishop Mcllvaine's schools, Gam- 
bier, Ohio; Jubilee College, Illinois; St. James's College, Hagers- 
town, Md. ; and the schools of Bishops Kemper and Otey, in their 
respective dioceses. 



CHURCH OF THE HOLY COMMUNION. 177 

ory of the Church of Christ as a Brotherhood, and also 
for setting forth a more reverent and expressive ritual 
of worship than as yet prevailed. 

The " Church of the Holy Communion" he christened 
his conception, ere yet the details of the structure were 
matured. " Why not call your church ' St. Sacrament,' 
at once?" said his friend Dr. Seabury, on hearing the 
name. " Because that is not at all my idea," replied 
Dr. Muhlenberg; "but communion or fellowship in 
Christ, of which the sacrament is the divinely appointed 
bond;" and in his address at the laying of the corner- 
stone, on July 24th, 1844, he yet more fully explained 
himself, thus: 

" Let this sanctuary be called the Church of the Holy 
Communion. Nor let it be only a name. Let it be the 
ruling idea in forming and maintaining the church, and 
in all its ministrations. Here let there be a sanctuary 
consecrated especially to fellowship in Christ, and to 
the great ordinance of His love. This will rebuke all 
the distinctions of pride and wealth. . . . . As 
Christians dare not bring such distinctions to the table 
of the Lord, there, at least, remembering their fellow- 
ship in Christ and their common level in redemption, 
the high and the low, the rich and the poor, gathered 
together around the sacred board; so let the same 
brotherhood prevail, let there be no places for the dif- 
ferences of worldly rank in the Church of the Holy 



* See Evangelical Catholic Papers, Second Series, page 79, 
12 



178 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG, 

The church was to be supported by the offertory, as 
in primitive times,, every one laying by, according as 
God had prospered him, against the first-day of the 
week; and it was not to be placed in the hands of a 
vestry. 

Mrs. Rogers retained the proprietorship in the be- 
ginning, after which it was conveyed to a body of trus- 
tees, of which Dr. Muhlenberg became one. Hence, 
the Church of the Holy Communion was not represent- 
ed in Convention. Dr. Muhlenberg always deplored 
the incongruity of elements, composing those bodies 
in the church; maintaining that a true Council of the 
Church should consist solely of communicating mem- 
bers, and further, that the delegates, representing a par- 
ish, should be elected by the communicants of that par- 
ish, all voting alike. Speaking of the peace and love 
which he hoped would always prevail in the new 
church, he adds: "From one source of contention at 
least, that of ecclesiastical politics, a church will be 
free, which jvill . maintain its outward union with the 
Body at large, only through the union of the Pastor 
and the people with their Bishop, and so preserve its 
unity by adhering to the 'fellowship of the Apostles."' 

The architecture of the church, a pure specimen of 
English Gothic, people called "Upjohn's best." Mr. 
Upjohn was the architect, but both the style of the 
building, and its minutest details came under the close 
direction of Dr. Muhlenberg's taste and reverential 
spirit. He brought to this creation symbolism essen- 
tially the same as that which he had so long employed 



EVANGELICAL CATHOLIC SYMBOLISM. 179 

in St. Paul's College, but more artistic and costly. 
They who were associated with him in those days, 
remember to have heard little or nothing of this or 
that ecclesiological authority and custom, as influenc- 
ing aesthetic points. The question was the significa- 
tion and beauty of the proposed symbol. 

The interior, as he left it, was full of pure evangelic 
Catholic meaning. The ever-open Bible standing under 
the simple chancel-cross; below it, on the altar cloth, 
the unchanging command of our Divine Lord- — " This 
do, in remembrance of me"; high above these, with 
its primitive forms and symbols, the great east window, 
making a background of rich soft coloring for the 
whole. In the centre of the beautiful wheel window 
of the south transept, a circle enclosing a cross, with 
the intersected legend — " All and in all ; " and in the six 
sections radiating from this centre, emblems of the 
offices of our Lord Jesus Christ as our Prophet, Priest, 
and King, and of the order and ministry of the church; 
— and the pure white marble font with its carved 
wreath of water-lilies encircling the words — u He that 
belie veth and is baptized shall be saved." 

The building was sufficiently completed for use in 
May, 1846, and was consecrated by Bishop Ives on the 
third Sunday in Advent of that year; the diocese, un- 
happily, through the suspension of Bishop Onderdonk, 
being virtually without a head. In this emergency 
Dr. Muhlenberg had anticipated that his old friend, 
Dr. Milnor, would preside at so much of a consecra- 
tion service as, under the circumstances, they expected, 



180 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

but this venerable man died very suddenly, before the 
church was finished, and when the time came, advan- 
tage was taken of a sojourn of Bishop Ives in the city 
to obtain his services for the occasion. 

During the two years occupied by the projection and 
building of the church, Dr. Muhlenberg gave himself 
w T ith unremitting fidelity to his charge in St. Paul's 
College, revolving at the same time many plans for the 
continuance of the Institution when it should pass out 
of his hands. Eventually the Rev. Mr. J. G. Barton, 
the Senior Professor of Greek and Latin, of whom 
honorable mention has been made in connection with 
the College commencement of 1839, became his suc- 
cessor. But, owing to various causes, the work did not 
long survive the withdrawal of its founder. Within 
three or four years St. Paul's College ceased to ex- 
ist, and the buildings and land were sold to a private 
purchaser. This last, however, not without an en- 
deavor, fruitless through the pressure of his city work, 
to preserve the place to the church as a country 
orphanage. 

The educational period of Dr. Muhlenberg's history 
was so eminent in results that his scholars may be 
justified from their standpoint, in claiming as they do, 
that his best work was comprised within these eighteen 
years, though in reality those labors were but the foun- 
dation of yet greater works, which one after another 
grew with his life into one symmetrical whole of use- 
fulness and beauty. But it is true, that "beyond all 
the ties of family he belonged to his boys." They were 



TRUE ALMS-GIVING. 181 

his children, and know better than any other could do 
the lovableness of his character, "so grand in its sim- 
plicity, so full of tenderness, while replete with power, 
so childlike in its true humility," and so totally unself- 
ish, that his actions were neither tarnished nor tram- 
melled by any aspiration after earthly honor or gain. 

One of his oldest spiritual sons throws light on the 
interior life of the school and its master in the follow- 
ing extracts from a recent letter:* 

u . . . . Dr. Muhlenberg had no eccentricities of 
mind or manner, no oddities of any kind, nothing in 
short differing from most men that I have ever met, 
except the deep reality and entire unselfishness that 

pervaded the whole tone of the Christian man 

All that I can now recall of special incidents at the 
Institute, resulted directly from some principle in prac- 
tical life taught by him to the boys. For example: 
One day he called them together and read to them 
from the newspapers, a statement of destitution and dis- 
tress among some German emigrants recently landed in 
New York. He then asked them whether they would 
like to give something in relief. In an instant, there 
were loud and vociferous offers. One said, 'Til give 
two dollars,' another, 'I'll give one,' another three, all 
were ready to give something, and thus a large sum 
was, at once, subscribed. But the boys, by a standing 
rule of the Institute, were not allowed spending money, 
except to a very limited extent, and there was not 

* Eev. Dj. J. W. Diller to the writer, Aug. 10th, 1879, in reply to 
a request for some incidents of the Institute days. 



182 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

money enough, in the pockets of all of them put to- 
gether, to pay more than a small portion of the sum 
they wanted to give. The Doctor then said to them 
that he had no doubt their parents would be gratified 
to pay the several sums named, if made an item of 
charge in their school bills, but what he, at present, 
w r anted to know was what they would give themselves, 
without calling upon their parents, i. e., he wanted 
them to give their own alms. And so, he asked them, 
'Are you willing to .give these poor creatures your 
dinner ? ' There was a general response of assent, 
but it was not vociferous like the other. It was sub- 
dued, yet earnest and sincere. Then the matter for 
decision was, How shall it be done? And it was de 
cided thus, to select two of the most expensive week 
day dinners — for Sunday was always a feast — to make 
their own meal on plain bread and molasses on those 
two days, and to give, through Dr. Muhlenberg, the 
difference in cost to the needy emigrants. This differ- 
ence, in a large family amounted to a goodly sum, 
which was thus the result of the self-denial of the 
boys and others. This incident illustrates the prin- 
ciple taught by the Doctor, that self-denial for the 
purpose of giving is held to be a part of acceptable 
giving at all times. There is no such thing as giv- 
ing of that which costs us nothing. 

" Again : Almost all the lessons for recitation were 
prepared in two rooms, called the ' Large Study,' and 
the ' Little Study.' In the former there was always 
an instructor to preserve order, and to have a general 



THE LITTLE STUDY. 183 

oversight. In the 'Little Study,' used by the older and 
more meritorious boys, there was not the presence of 
an instructor, the boys were expected to refrain from 
conversation, and to attend faithfully to their studies; 
and were at liberty to leave the room at their discre- 
tion. This plan of trusting to the honor of the boys 
worked admirably well. It was a great matter to be 
promoted from the big to the little study. . . . A 
similar practice was observed in regard to quiet in the 
dormitories, and keeping within the bounds of the 
Institute grounds. 

" Occasionally, when a boy became so frequently 
troublesome as to be on the point of being dismissed 
from the school, one of the others, who was of exem- 
plary habits, or sometimes one of the instructors, in or- 
der to avoid the boy's dismission, became security for the 
delinquent for a time, say for one, two, or three weeks. 
The meaning of security was fully explained, and the 
recipient of the kindness was made to understand, that 
any future misconduct of the kind complained of, would 
be charged to the security. . . . This gave an un- 
usual, and powerful stimulant to the boy who had done 
ill, to do well in future. It was necessary to conduct 
the whole matter, very discreetly, and in most cases, 
the result was very favorable. It fostered sentiments 
of kindness and love on both sides, touched the secret 
springs of family love, gave the thought of one medi- 
ating for another, and thus suggested, and helped to 
keep in mind, the infinitely higher love, and greater 
mediation of which we all are recipients. . . ." 



184 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

Another pupil, writing to his former schoolmates on 
a special occasion, indulges in the following tender ret- 
rospect: "Doctor Muhlenberg was never the school- 
master to us. I remember as though it were yesterday, 
the first time I was placed under his care. It was the 
mtumn of 1829. I was almost an orphan, and although 
quite young had already passed three years at boarding 
school, when I was sent to Flushing. The first evening 
we were summoned to family prayers. This little cir- 
cumstance, with the fervor of him who led the devotions, 
were things so new to me that they made a lasting im- 
pression. I remember distinctly the room, and all the 
circumstances, and I think every pupil who ever came 
to Flushing must have known intuitively, at the' very 
first contact, as I did then, that he was forming a tie, 
which differed from that of master and pupil. Young 
as we were, I am sure Ave realized that it was not for 
earthly gain, nor earthly honor, that our Principal had 
withdrawn himself from the world, and from society, 
where he was so fitted to shine. A loftier aim was evi- 
dent, even to our youthful apprehensions, — and we saw 
that he esteemed it little profit to us, if we conquered 
the subtleties of language or mathematics, and thought 
not of a higher victory. You all know how warm and 
often tender a friendship, seemed to spring up towards 
him in the breast of all who came to him ; how it seemed 
untouched by the boyish resentment which usually fol- 
lows correction and punishment; and how, even with 
the incorrigible, the parting was always in sorrow, per- 
haps in tears, but never in anger or unkindness. We 



FIFTY SONS IN THE MINISTRY, 185 

remember, and can never forget, that voice of gentle re- 
monstrance, which so affectionately pleaded with us to 
beware of evil, and turn to Christ, in the day of our 
youth." 

At the beginning of the Institute, Dr. Muhlenberg 
had most fervently prayed that among the sons whom 
he should bring up might be some who would become 
ministers of the Gospel. This was the one earthly 
reward he asked, and it was signally granted. As 
early as the year 1834, he saw this fruit on which he 
had set his heart, beginning to ripen under his hand, 
and in his private diary thus pours out his happiness : 
"The prospects are animating — Oh, the joy of being a 
coworker with God — of being the means of raising to 
his glory a temple on earth where many souls, may 
be born to life everlasting — I have enough success to 
believe that God is with me, and to be an earnest 
that he will enable me to do what I long to do for 
the honor of His Name." 

He estimated the number of pupils during his rector- 
ship as approximately nine hundred, about fifty of 
whom, counting some of his college students who ac- 
companied him to New York to complete their studies, 
entered the ministry of the church.* Bishop Bedell of 
Ohio, may be named from the fact of his having been 
one of the earliest pupils of the Flushing Institute. 

* The Rev. Dr. Jacob "W. Diller and Bishop Kerfoot of Pittsburg 
were among the .first-fruits of the school. Bishop K., for some 
years, as chaplain of the College, rendered valuable assistance in 
spiritual work among the boys. 



186 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

He entered on the first day of the occupancy of the 
building, and before work was actually begun. The 
following extract from a tribute of the bishop's to his 
"dear old Master," in a Convention-address, is to the 
purpose here: "During these years Dr. Muhlenberg 
laid the impress of his character upon some eight hun- 
dred boys. Those who survive are now men, most of 
them are in positions where they touch the very springs 
of society, and direct the forces that are moving this 
age. One has played his part well in diplomacy, and 
still is wielding political influence.* Another stands 
to-day among the chiefs in our commercial metropolis, 
and lately welcomed the president into that great com- 
pany which controls the finances of our land.f An- 
other, the sweet boy-singer leader of the school choir, 
is now heard through his hymnal in hundreds of our 
churches and leads the devotion of thousands of souls 
as he learned to do when we were boys together at 
Flushing. J Another stands prominently among critics 
of the English tongue. § Others lead at the bar or in 
medical life. Many are clergymen. Three are bishops 
— of Northern New Jersey, Pittsburg, and Ohio. || 
Bishop Bedell further says — "I chanced to go into a 

* John Jay, Ex-Minister to Austria; later, Chairman of Civil Service 
Reform Committee, investigating New York Custom House. 

f Samuel D. Babcock, President of Chamber of Commerce, New 
York. 

% John Ireland Tucker, D.D., of Troy. 

§ Bichard Grant White. 

|[ The late Bishop Odenheimer, Bishop Kerfoot, and Bishop Bedelh 



EVERY SCHOLAR A DEAR CHILD. 187 

butchers stall in a market in New York a year or 
two ago, and casually dropped Dr. Muhlenberg's name 
while speaking to my companion. The butcher laid 
down his knife and asked, 'Do you know him?' I 
replied. And then he said, ; I once went to school to 
him for a year. How I would love to see him ! Do you 
think I might call on him ? ' I met the doctor that day 
and told him the incident. The next morning scarcely 
had the butcher opened his stall, when his old master 
— nearly eighty years of age — stood beside him, and 
the hard hand of toil was clasped within the loving 
grasp of one to whom every scholar was a dear child 
never forgotten. , . . . Blessed the boys that had 
such a teacher and fragrant is his memory to every 
one that ever sat as a learner at his feet." 

The part of his life given by Dr. Muhlenberg to the 
Institute and College was necessarily a period of much 
retirement and comparative obscurity. Beyond the re- 
pute of his work, and the publicity incident to the con- 
duct of its immediate affairs, he came, personally, lit- 
tle in contact with the outer world, and was not much 
known even to his brother clergymen in the city of 
New York. During the last years of these labors, zeal 
for the honor of his church forced him for a little while 
into some prominence, but in a matter so wholly apart 
from his own history that it is not necessary here to 
revive its painful details. 

In the summer of 1845, he gave the initiatory im- 
pulse to a Church Sisterhood, but unconsciously and in- 
directly, in the first instance, both on his own part and 



188 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

on that of the subject of his influence ; and through the 
rest of his life, he would revert to the particulars which 
follow as a remarkable Providence. He was "on the 
crest of the advancing wave" in the matter of sister- 
hoods, as in other points of church progress. There 
was then no organization of the kind in the Episcopal 
Church, either in America or in England. The Luther- 
an deaconesses were beginning to be spoken of as 
doing a good work in the little village of Kaiserswerth, 
on the Ehine, and the picture of a community of Chris- 
tian women, consecrated to the service of charity, had 
entered into his dreams of the church he was about 
to establish, but he had not given his mind to any 
plans on the subject, nor taken a step towards the 
embodiment of his idea, when it was somewhat sig- 
nally precipitated. 

It was on a Sunday, in the little chapel of St, Paul's 
College, College Point, where Dr. Muhlenberg's sister 
and niece and some lady friends were spending part of 
the summer vacation. The rector preached a sermon 
on "Jephthas vow," with an application glancing at 
the blessedness of giving one's self undividedly to 
God's service. The suggestion was covert and guard- 
ed. Eeading over the manuscript later, there seemed 
little in it to produce a very marked effect, yet the ar- 
row from the bow thus drawn "at a venture," was 
guided by a Higher Power, straight to the heart of at 
least one of his hearers. The latter at that time was 
too little acquainted with the preacher to speak freely 
of the deep impression received. All that was ven- 



INITIATION OF SISTERHOOD. 189 

hired in meeting him casually after the service, was a 
brief expression of the interest felt in the discourse and 
the conviction that there teas something better and 
happier than the ways of our every-day Christianity. 
"Yes," Dr. Muhlenberg rejoined; '"Xo man that war- 
reth entangleth himself in the affairs of this life that he 
may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier,'" 
and after this single utterance passed out of the room. 
But the text thus spoken, "was a nail in a sure place," 
which thenceforth, through a lifetime, was never to 
loose its hold ; and from this germ, was developed later, 
the Sisterhood of the Holy Communion, so called, from 
the parish under whose first pastor it originated. The 
formal organization of the community took place later. 
This first Sister was consecrated one winter evening in 
the church, at the dispersion of the congregation after 
daily service. Besides the pastor in his surplice within 
the chancel, and the Sister in her accustomed dress 
kneeling at the rail, the only other present was the 
good old sexton, waiting to put out the lights. The 
whole was as simple as it was solemn. 

Those were days of great excitement in the Episcopal 
Church. The secession of Mr. Xewman and others of 
the Oxford School to Eome was then recent, and all 
parties were filled with alarm at whatever they thought 
tending in that direction. The very name "Sister" 
would have been obnoxious. But it was not so much 
prudence, as a sense of the sacredness of the engage- 
ment, which ruled in the privacy of the above occasion. 
Observation and talk would kill what there was of di- 



190 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

vine life in this germ. All true growth is hidden and 
silent. So a reserve on the subject seemed mutually, 
almost tacitly, understood. 

While arranging for the occasion, it transpired that 
the pastor had made a partial engagement to be present 
at the consecration of a church out of town ; but learn- 
ing the Sister's wish, he immediately set this aside. On 
her demurring at any change of plan on her account. Dr. 
Muhlenberg at once replied, " What is the consecration 
of a church to the consecration of a life ! " — a trifling in- 
cident, yet illustrative of his habitual, instant sympathy 
in any spiritual endeavor. How great a power for good 
that quick Christly sympathy has been to hundreds and 
to thousands will be best appreciated by those who 
were ever favored to be the recipients of it. Coming 
within its influence, was as if one passed from under 
a cold, gray November sky, with, its leaden landscape 
and prospective drudgery of winter toil, into the in- 
spiriting w r armth and color of a fine June morning. 
The powers of heart, mind, and soul would spring to 
Christian work, as though treading on air, or rather as 
borne along by the felt support of those words which 
were so often his parting charge to his disciples: "Be 
strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might." So 
did he dignify, ennoble, idealize, whatever of Christian 
service he came in contact with. 

Thus was obtained the womanly element essential 
to the domestic administration of the various chari- 
ties, already, to Dr. Muhlenberg's mental vision, clus- 
tering around the Church of the Holy Communion. 



SPIRITUAL FRIENDSHIP. 191 

He saw the future Sisterhood. But in its first mem- 
ber he received more than a beginning of the com- 
munity he desired to organize; for counting it the 
noblest of privileges to work under such a leader, 
she threw her life heartily and unreservedly into all 
his plans and aims, with unceasing thanks to God for 
the opportunities of usefulness so largely opening up 
to her through his wise and holy guidance. Assur- 
edly, as one has expressed it, "Dr. Muhlenberg met 
the supreme test of true goodness and true greatness; 
for to none was he so good and so great, so pure, so 
tender, and so loving, as to those who knew him best 
and were most with him."* Naturally, as time went 
on, the relation thus formed grew to be essentially a 
paternal and filial one, the difference of age itself induc- 
ing this. The church-sister became the church-daugh- 
ter, and the constant companion of his labors through- 
out the rest of his consecrated life. 

The spiritual element was always indispensable to 
Dr. Muhlenberg in any thing like friendship. To a 
young man, a stranger, who, in a very remarkable man- 
ner, once ardently importuned his affection, but whose 
way of life lay in quite a different direction, he said 
with his habitual frankness: "I never cared much for 
any one not helpful to me in my work for the Lord; " 
and in a letter to one whom he had educated, and who 
was, at the time, ably assisting him in the induction of 
the work at College Point, he wrote: ". . . There- 

* Bishop Littlejohn of Long Island. 



192 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

fore it is, my dear son, that you must be more to me 
than a business man in the College. There is no 
communion of heart in dollars and cents, in, etc., 
etc., etc. . . . You must be my partner in the ser- 
vice of Jesus Christ. You must unite with me in 
leading the young to the kingdom of Heaven — our 
souls must work together." 



CHAPTER XIII. 



Began Pastorate in New York.— An Educator still. — His Works linked 
together. — The Locality. — A Congregation Formed. — An exceptional 
free Church. — Its Attractiveness. — Dr. Muhlenberg as a Preacher. — 
Pentecostal Days. — Festival and Fast. — Care for poorer Members. — 
A Christian House-warming. — The Pastor's Cloak. — First Idea of St. 
Luke's Hospital. — Thirty Dollars. — Dearth of Hospital Accommoda- 
tion. — How to begin a Work of Charity. — No Charitable Organizations 
in the City. — Dr. Muhlenberg's Lifluence on Inner Life of the Church. 
— Opposite Elements. — Leaf from Journal. — What Three Years Accom- 
plished. — Origin of Fresh Air Benefit. — First Christmas-tree for the 
Poor. — Church Seats. — Epigram on Pew Auction. — Origin of Pews. — 
Bishop Burnet and the Court Ladies. 

Dr. Muhlenberg was within a few months of com- 
pleting Lis fiftieth year, when he began his work in 
the city, of New York. He was at the meridian of his 
labors, as it proved, and in the perfection of his powers. 
" His hair was already whitening, but his step was 
rapid, his eyes brilliant, his strong features full of sen- 
sibility, and every motion suggestive of physical and of 
intellectual activity and health."* Together with this 
there was in his aspect and bearing an ^indefinable 
presence, a blending of greatness and humility, with a 
beaming benignity and sweetness which frequently 
prompted a stranger to inquire, "Who is that re- 
markable-looking man ? " 

* Rev. Dr. Edwin Harwood. 
13 



194 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

Full half of his extended ministry lay yet before hira. 
The greater part of the first half had been given to the 
instruction of youth; he was now to be an educator of 
a higher sort with the church at large for his scholars. 
11 He was first a teacher of boys, and last an instructor 
in charity."* 

At the same time, he never ceased to be " a teacher 
of boys." To his life's end, he had them always, in 
one w^ay or another, about him; and if so, then, as a 
matter of course, they were under tuition both with 
regard to the learning of this world, and that of the 
next. And the advancement of such, the consideration 
of what would be most for their good, was ever para- 
mount to any thought of his own convenience, no mat- 
ter what the relation they held towards him, even 
were the lad his hired attendant, as was not unfre- 
quently the case. He educated many a youth after 
he left St, Paul's College far in the distance behind 
him. And his different works became linked together 
by this tie: the Schools of Lancaster to the Flushing 
Institute and St. Paul's College, St. Paul's College to 
the Church of the Holy Communion, and this again 
to St, Luke's Hospital and St. Johnland. His first 
three assistants in the Church of the Holy Communion, 
and his immediate successor in the parish were all 
from among his pupils. 

In removing from College Point to the city, he at 
once gathered around him several young men and boys, 

* Bishop Bedell- 



HIS PLAIN ABODE. 195 

as his household; the former, students for the ministry, 
the latter, young choristers, whom after the old fashion 
he took into his heart of hearts, as his very sons. He, 
at first, found some difficulty in securing a residence 
suited to his purpose in sufficient proximity to the 
church, so thinly settled was the neighborhood; and 
his domiciling himself in the city was somewhat re- 
tarded by having to wait for the completion of two con- 
tiguous houses on the south side of Twentieth Street, 
near the Seventh Avenue, which he had bespoken, 
while they were in building; the one for his own 
dwelling, the other, which was divided at his desire, 
into more spacious apartments, for the Sunday schools 
and other parish w^ork. 

His own home was a very plain abode, the rooms 
small and furnished with the utmost simplicity; but 
an interest attaches to it, in that within its homely 
walls was cradled the first thought of more than one 
of the noble works which crowned his life. That unpre- 
tending house had also another consecration, since Dr. 
Muhlenberg received into it, and nourished there until 
his death, a former pupil, who was seized with con- 
sumption, while a student in the Theological Semi- 
nary. He occupied this dwelling until the year 1850, 
when he went to live with his mother, and sister, in the 
newly erected parsonage, which was connected with 
the church by the Sunday-school house, on Twentieth 
Street. 

From the remoteness of the situation chosen for the 
church, and the sparseness of the surrounding popula- 



196 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

tion, Dr. Muhlenberg had thought it necessary, at the 
laying of the corner-stone, to make some explanation of 
the grounds on which so large an expenditure of money 
was to be made, where apparently a new church was so 
little needed. But the rapid growth of the city, soon 
justified the locality. The contrast is, indeed, striking 
between what we see to-day, and what then was. In- 
stead of the " roaring avenue," with its surface and ele- 
vated railways, lined on both sides with large stores, 
and high houses, and crossed by streets of handsome 
residences, there were vacant grass-grown lots almost 
from river to river, with only here and there a respect- 
able dwelling, unless it were in the neighborhood of 
St. Peter's Church. To the north of the site of the Holy 
Communion, stood an old country mansion buried in 
trees, where the bishop and clergy robed themselves for 
the ceremony of the corner-stone. To the rear of that 
was a squatter's hut, and extending thence along the 
unpaved streets, large nursery grounds. In the cross- 
streets below Twentieth, there were groups or alleys of 
low wooden tenement houses, "Home's buildings," and 
the like, and from the Protestant part of their popula- 
tion, the new free church gathered its first poor mem- 
bers, w^hilo their fellow-worshippers, the Minturns, the 
Johnsons, the Hoffmans, etc., came from much lower 
down in the city, some from as far as St. John's 
Square. 

These distances, however, did not interfere with the 
immediate formation of a large congregation, and from 
its commencement the church was filled with a body 



A CONGREGATION OF RICH AND POOR. 197 

of worshippers composed of the rich and the poor more 
promiscuously mingled than had hitherto been com- 
mon in our communion. As a free church, this of the 
Holy Communion began under auspices so extraordi- 
nary as hardly to make it an earnest of the success of 
others. Several wealthy and devout families united 
with Mrs. Rogers in supporting the church at its 
outset, and in sustaining Dr. Muhlenberg in what 
were supposed to be his peculiar ministrations. These, 
such as the Daily Service; the division of the Offices 
on Sunday morning; the Weekly Communion, and 
"Weekly Offertory for the support of the church in the 
morning, for the relief of the poor in the afternoon; 
the congregational singing; chanting the Psalter; 
preaching in the surplice; the matins of Christmas 
and Easter ; the especial solemnities of the Holy Week ; 
the celebration of the Epiphany with its large offer- 
ings for missions, given chiefly in gold, and amount- 
ing sometimes to several thousand dollars; the Employ- 
ment Society, for the assistance of the poor women of 
the congregation; the Thanksgiving provision for such 
in their homes; the parish children's Christmas-tree; 
the Fresh Air Fund, and the work of the Sisterhood 
in their Church Dispensary, Church Infirmary and 
Church Schools, — all these things, many of them now 
grown into common use, were original with Dr. Muhl- 
enberg, and naturally gave to the Church of the Holy 
Communion a character and attractiveness of its own. 
The attraction was legitimate; for besides the im- 
pressiveness of its external order, through Dr. Muhl- 



198 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

enberg's deep and delicate liturgical feeling, and the 
beautiful harmony and heartiness of the worship thence 
resulting, there was a fresh, simple preaching of the 
Gospel, which, with his unaffected sincerity of voice 
and manner told powerfully upon the hearts of the 
hearers. Many, who came just for once to see the new 
church, and hear the new preacher, could never after- 
wards be content to worship elsewhere. He aimed 
at no distinction in the pulpit, cultivated no grace of 
rhetoric, and in his lowliness of mind, greatly under 
rated himself as a preacher; yet he scrupled not to say, 
"I always read the Bible in church as well as I could." 
u I never preached a sermon except with a view to 
save souls." " He preached to achieve results, and not 
to win applause. To him the pulpit was not the throne 
of the orator, but the chair of the preacher of the Gos- 
pel of Jesus Christ. In fact he possessed the prophetic 
spirit, for he was a fearless preacher of the word and 
will of God."* 

Speaking himself of the services of the Church of 
the Holy Communion he said — "I was never so taken 
up with the chancel as to forget my great duty was in 
the pulpit; and those who discerned Puseyism in my 
ministrations, always quoted the proofs of it, in what 
they thought they saw, never in what they heard. 
I have never been charged with unsound doctrine, 
certainly not by Low Churchmen. In all the ministra- 
tions of the church, the objective and subjective in re- 

* Rev. Dr. Edwin Harwood. 



FESTIVAL AND FEAST. 199 

ligion were elements in due proportion ; in other words 
it was Evangelical Catholicism." 

There was something Pentecostal in the first years 
of that beautiful church, at least to its devout com- 
municants, and there were very many such. Undoubt- 
edly, with the Episcopal world outside of the parish, 
Dr. Muhlenberg and his doings w T ere the subject of 
much remark and criticism; for he was not generally 
well known, and those were excited and unhappy days 
as to church questions. But the best part of the con- 
gregation did not come much in contact with these 
elements, or if they did, gave no heed to them. Some 
yet remain who will recall, with rekindling emotion, 
the effect of those ministrations upon their inmost 
souls. How the clear, luminous words of the prophet 
pastor set forth, to them, almost as a new gospel, 
a Christianity of active personal love, and brought 
to bear upon their every-day lives, the plain uncom- 
promising maxims of this Christianity, with a simple 
and forcible directness hitherto entirely unknown to 
them. 

They will recall, too, the wonderful reality of the 
worship in that little sanctuary, the edifying and ani- 
mating observance of the church's holy seasons — the 
sweet hallowed mirth of Christmas; the solemn charm 
of Passion-tide — so solemn and impressive, not by any 
scenic effect, but by the especial devotions and teach- 
ings of the week, that on Good-Friday evening there 
was always a sense of relief, as when after long watch- 
ing the death-bed of a beloved sufferer we give thanks 



200 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

that the worst is over. And then the rapturous joy of 
Easter, with its perfectly accordant music, and sweet 
resurrection types of bud and blossom. Not flowers of 
a hired gardener's arranging, or even producing, as to 
the choicest of them, but of private cultivation and 
raised for the purpose; and these again always proper- 
ly disposed in the font and in front of the open Bible by 
the hand of reverent devotion. He used to say that 
those who had this pious duty in charge were the 
women bringing the spices to the sepulchre at Easter 
dawn. When, in later years, he saw the excess to 
which "Easter Flowers" were carried, the lavish ex- 
penditure and decorative character attaching to them, 
he regretted his introduction of these, in themselves 
beautiful symbols. 

But, above all, in the Church of the Holy Commun- 
ion, was the blessedness of a new intercourse with the 
poor and needy. The same, surely, in kind, if not in 
degree, as that which followed the first effusion of the 
Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, when there was 
not "any that lacked" for want of what a wealthier 
fellow-communicant could supply. This was instinctive 
with the pastor, and under his inspirations became an 
elemental part of the life of the parish. It was custom- 
ary in those days, if any of these humbler ones were in 
ickness or distress, for the pastor, and one or two of 
the more able of his flock, to visit such in their homes, 
after the church services, " nourishing and cherishing 
them," as members with themselves of the one Body of 
Christ. "They that believed" were truly "of one heart 



A HOUSE-WARMING. 201 

and one soul," and thus soothed, helped, and taught, 
the first poor communicants of that church became 
more respectable and self-respecting than most of their 
class. 

Sometimes, in that parish, there would be a literal 
enacting of some Scripture precept not common to our 
day. This one, for instance: "When thou makest a 
dinner, or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy breth- 
ren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich acquaintance, 
less they bid thee again, and a recompense be made 
thee. But when thou makest a feast call the poor," * 
etc. One of the wealthier members of the parish, hav- 
ing built himself a large new house, in the neighbor- 
hood of the church, invited to it, at its first using, all 
his poorer fellow-communicants, some thirty in number; 
he and his wife entertaining them at a bountiful sup- 
per, and giving them each, as the party broke up, 
generous packages of good things to carry to their 
homes. The unwonted circumstances induced at first 
a little shyness, but it soon wore off when the Minis- 
ter, and other well-known friends of the church, min- 
gled among them in friendly talk. They were regaled 
in the dining-room and library, thrown together for 
the purpose, but were not shown over the beautiful 
mansion as is common in house-warmings; that would 
have been to suggest, perhaps, discouraging compari- 
sons. They were cheered and enlivened by atten- 
tions and amusements suited to their taste, and left, 

* St. Luke xiv. 12, 13. 



202 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

after a brief service of prayer and praise, with, their 
heartiest blessings on the new home. 

As for the pastor's personal ministrations to these 
poorer members, it would take a volume to set them 
forth. And such merry, cheery talks as he used to 
have with them, — taking the more pains, haply, to be 
agreeable to them, in that he felt so deeply their large 
privation of the innocent enjoyments of life. No won- 
der, that a worthy woman, after an interview with 
him, should say, "Why, Dr. Muhlenberg talked with 
me just as if I was a lady ! " 

One winter, a poor woman, who lived up an alley- 
way near his house, came to evening prayer to be 
"churched." It was cold weather, and as the pastor 
left, after the service, he threw around him a large 
cloak that a friend had given him for such use. The 
woman, with her new-born babe, too scantily clad for 
the season, was going in the same direction. He did 
not know that a parishioner, walking behind them, saw 
him draw the poor mother and her infant within his 
own cloak, which he made thus enfold the three, 
walking with them to their home. "Doubtless there 
is more love than any thing else in the world, but 
the best love, and the individual in whom it is su- 
preme, is the rarest of all things." 

Glancing along the course of Dr. Muhlenberg's va- 
rious undertakings for the church, the spontaneity 
and naturalness of their origin, and the rapidity with 
which, in their first idea, they overlapped each other, 
become strikingly apparent. He was never occupied 



A FIRST STEP. 203 

with the question ichat to do next, though perhaps 
amid the mountains of wretchedness looming up to his. 
pitiful vision in the poorer quarters of the great city in 
which he had come to dwell, often he may have sighed 
that he could do so little. 

The circumstances of the moment sometimes sufficed 
to inspire the noblest design, and it was thus that in 
the very first months of the Church of the Holy Com- 
munion, St. Luke's Hospital came into his thoughts, 
though not until much later into active operation. In 
his pastoral visitations among the lowly ones of his 
flock, he became painfully impressed with the distress- 
ing condition of such in the places they called their 
homes, when sickness overtook them. "That cold, 
damp basement," he said with indignation, " about as 
tenantable as a coal-vault for a sufferer from rheuma- 
tism." "That close apartment, heated to stifling in pre- 
paring the evening meal on the shattered stove, where 
the poor consumptive mother lies coughing away her 
life amid the smoke and smell of the coarse cook- 
ing, and the noise of the family. — Do you call those 
homes?" It was probably a sufferer of this last class, 
poor F. S., whom he constantly visited for many weeks, 
that stirred his earliest impulse towards a church hos- 
pital; for he had not yet said the last prayer over her 
remains, when, on St. Luke's Day (Oct. 18th) 1846, he 
proposed to the congregation that half of the offer- 
ings of the day should be laid aside as the begin- 
ning of a fund towards the founding of an institu- 
tion for the relief of the sick poor, under the auspices 



'204 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

of religion, and that on each return of the festival 
.of St. Luke the Evangelist and Physician, the object 
should be kept in view, and the proceeds of the of- 
fertory so appropriated. 

He announced this arrangement, without any pre-in- 
timation to the congregation, immediately after reading 
the Gospel for the day. Something over thirty dollars 
was the result; a sum so small that a brother clergy- 
man, assisting him that afternoon, asked with some- 
thing of scorn, 

"Pray, when do you expect to build your hospital?" 

" Never, if I do not make a beginning," Dr. Muhlen- 
berg replied. He could w r ait. He knew what he was 
doing. 

But to appreciate how good and how necessary was 
the work that day begun, we must understand the 
utter dearth of proper hospital provision that then 
existed in the city of New York, not only for the 
incurably ill, but for worthy, needy sufferers, what- 
ever their malady. Apart from the provision for em- 
igrants on Ward's Island, there were but two hos- 
pitals in the metropolis; first and best was the "New 
York," or "Broadway Hospital" as it was sometimes 
called, which had three hundred and fifty beds, mainly 
appropriated to seamen, whose expenses were paid by 
the government, and to sufferers from casualties, with 
a sprinkling of patients able to pay for themselves. 
None were received whose cases did not appear to 
the physicians and surgeons to admit of some prob- 
ability of cure or of substantial relief. The other hos- 



BEGINNING A WORK OF CHARITY. 205 

pital, u Bellevue," was devoted entirely to paupers. It 
had in use five hundred and fifty beds, and was in 
reality the sick ward of the Almshouse, and was al- 
ways crowded, the provision being quite too small for 
the accommodation of the class who were its sole bene- 
ficiaries, and who, it may be readily conceived, made 
the place more to be dreaded by the decent Christian 
poor, than the worst privations and disqualifications of 
their own garrets and basements. 

These facts, and the suffering with which he was 
brought face to face among his own sick poor, might 
well prompt a man of Dr.' Muhlenberg's noble sym- 
pathy and prayerful faith to make a venture for a 
church hospital. And his quiet, simple method of ini- 
tiating this great undertaking, as well as the spirit 
with which he carried along his project, illustrates the 
habitual tenor of his mind in all his creations. In reply 
to an inquiry, M How to begin a work of charity," he 
once gave the following characteristic counsel: 

" Don't begin by announcing your object, and calling 
a meeting of all who are friendly to it. Some will 
come who think they know ail about it as well as your- 
self. They will give advice, propose plans, suggest 
methods of proceeding, etc., which may seem very 
encouraging, but will end in taking the matter out 
of your own hands, or in making it altogether another 
thing from what you intended; or, through a division 
of counsels, it will come to nought, Xo; begin in a 
quiet, natural way. Let the thing grow by its own life 
under the fostering care of the, few who understand and 



206 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

entirely sympathize with you. It may be small and 
weak, but if it is a germ of genuine charity, it will 
take root and vegetate. Then ask all who will, to 
supply the nutriment for its further growth; but not 
to trim and fashion it after their own notions. If they 
help you, thank God and take courage. If not, have 
patience — it will not die if it be a plant which your 
Heavenly Father has planted. If it be not, the sooner 
it dies the better." 

At the beginning of the Church of the Holy Com- 
munion, not only was there no such thing known 
amongst us as a church hospital, but there was not, 
at least in the city of New York, a church charity of 
any kind, unless we allow the Sunday school and its 
concomitants to be such; not a single orphanage, home 
for the aged, house of mercy for the fallen, or shelter 
of whatever sort; and it is not too much to claim 
that the new life breathed not only into the church, 
but into the community at large, with the conception 
of St. Luke's Hospital, sent its pulsations far and 
wide, throughout our borders, giving birth at no long 
intervals, to a multitude of affiliated charities; while 
of his own communion it has been truly said that, 
" Every movement of spiritual life within it, for the 
past fifty years, may be traced back in some way, to 
Dr. Muhlenberg as its point of departure." * 

He was most felicitously endowed for that which it 
was given him to do ; possessing a very unusual com- 

* Bev. Dr. F. E. Lawrence. 



NOT AT CONVENTION. 207 

bination of the ideal and the practical. With all his 
creative gifts, he could throw his fine intelligence, 
when necessary, into common details, with the patient 
attention of a dutiful scholar; and together with the 
eagerness of his sanguine temperament there was an 
underlying calmness and quiet waiting, which gave 
him a power for steady work such as few have trained 
themselves to. There were in him, also, other mental 
and moral contrasts. He was modest, and diffident to 
a degree, yet bold to go where others would not dare. 
He was indulgent, yet strict. He had the simplicity of 
a child, with the wisdom of the sage. 

A leaf from his journal affords an interesting glimpse 
of the tone of his mind and of church matters of this 
date : 

" Oct 19th, 1847. The General Convention is in 
session, and probably engaged in a most exciting 
debate on Bishop Onderdonk's case, and yet I am 
sitting at home, having little or no inclination to be 
present. Am I tired of conventions, as of other things 
in the world? Is it that they are so much like the 
world ? I fear it is not because I am so much more 
spiritually-minded; and yet, a man need be but little of 
a Christian to feel how far these councils of the church 

are from the true spirit of the church Dr. 

Bowman is staying with me. Pleasant to have an old 
friend with whom one can converse freely. Every one 
is so party-bound that such a neutral as I profess to 

be, is in the confidence of none Spent an 

hour in looking at the procession for the laying of the 



208 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

Washington Monument, which was three hours in pass- 
ing. Societies with banners, and fire-companies, the 
various forms of temperance societies, Bechabites, Odd 
Fellows, etc., — a phenomenon peculiar to the day. 
They carry the- Bible — this might afford ground for 
gome able and popular man to turn them into bodies 
with some religious faith, which would supply them 
with ornaments and ceremonies of some meaning. . ." 

It is wonderful to retrace the first three years of the 
Church of the Holy Communion, and note the vari- 
ous activities which, in that short period, were set in 
motion. Besides the large Sunday school, and boys' 
Choir-classes, there were a day school for boys, another 
for girls, an Employment Society for furnishing needle- 
work to the indigent women of the parish, the begin- 
ning of the Sisters systematic care of the poor and of 
their Dispensary, the Thanksgiving feasts, the church 
Christmas-trees, and the Fresh Air Fund. 

The term Fresh Air, as applied to country refreshment 
for the poor in summer, and now so common amongst 
us, that many and various agencies for the purpose, 
have adopted the phrase, was original with Dr. Muhlen- 
berg, both as to name and fact. And the "Fresh Air" 
charity came about just as simply and naturally as 
many another of his good works. His parish notes 
furnish, incidentally, a record of this beginning, and 
afford a pleasing picture of the first recipients of the 
benefit, as well as of Dr. Muhlenberg in relation to 
them. The entire minute is of interest. It was the 
summer of the cholera, 1849. 



FRESH AIR. 209 

"Tuesday, Aug. 7tli. Went, accompanied by , on 

a pastoral visitation. First to the Cholera Hospital in 
Thirteenth St. — Gave them clothing for the patients. — 
Spoke to the women I saw there last evening. They 
have few and poor nurses, the corporation not allowing 
money enough to hire good ones, who want two dollars 
a day, while they can afford, they say, but fifty cents — 
Outrageous while there is money enough for frolics and 
processions! Visited several poor families — gave Mrs. 

E money to take an excursion with her children; 

for ten years she said she had not done such a thing — ■ 

Called at Mrs. H 's. 'Who are all these children?' 

'That's Ellen's school.' 'I am glad to see Ellen so well 
employed. I suppose the school is some help to you. , 
'Oh no; it's a charity school.' 'Indeed!' 'Yes; these 
poor children are left by their parents to run about in 
the heat, — you know it's vacation time; so to keep them 
from being sick, Ellen has taken them here every day, 
and teaches them their tables, etc' Verily, one can 
hardly get the rich to give their money to a charity 
school, but here is a poor woman keeping one in her 
own house, her daughter, a sweet little girl, teaching. 
I proposed that they should take a, day of recreation in 
the country. 'We have no money for that,' the mother 
replied. 'You shall have the money.' 'Oh! it would 
seem a sin to spend it in that way; besides, I should 
lose a day's work.' 'How much can you earn in a day 
by your sewing?' 'Two shillings.' 'Well, that shall 
be made up to you.' I told her it would do them all 
good to go for a little fresh air over to Hoboken in 
U 



210 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

pleasant weather, and as I was saying how glad I and 
some of their friends in the church would be to know 
they had at least one day of pleasure, little Ellen's eyes 
filled with tears, and she flew up to me and kissed me 
most affectionately." 

A year or two later the Fresh Air provision became 
an established summer charity of the Church of the 
Holy Communion, and was often extended by the tender 
and loving pastor to other than its own poor people. 

There is extant a debit and credit account of the 
" Fresh Air Fund," a year or two later, showing its 
benefits at an expenditure of about seventy dollars, dis- 
tributed thus: "Two poor shirt sewers and consumptive 
brother, three weeks board at Catskill ; poor student in 
ill health, the same for over a month ; an unhappy wife 
and two young children, and a widow and two young 
children, nearly two weeks; an old man of eighty-five, his 
gra.nd-children and great-grand-children, frequent trips 
to Staten Island; the same, from time to time, to a poor 
old weaver, a sick and lonely widow, a lame boy, and 
some mothers with their sick infants." All these be- 
ing parishioners, and most of the adults communicants 
of the church, this accidentally-preserved paper serves 
to show something of who and what they were, who 
found bodily as well as spiritual healing in that little 
Bcthesda. 

The first church Christmas-tree for poor children 
in the city of New York was lighted in the parish 
of the Holy Communion in 1847, under Dr. Muhlen- 
berg's direction; but in the school-room of the high 



CHRISTMAS-TREES FOR THE POOR. 211 

school for young ladies, conducted by the Sisters; 
the school -house proper, where in after years it was 
customary to have it, being not then completed. The 
wealthier pupils provided the gifts for their less-favored 
little brothers and sisters, viz., all the poorest children 
of the church, and, in unloading the heavy boughs and 
distributing the fruit to the expectant, eager hands, 
feasted themselves upon the blessedness of giving as 
better than receiving. Sweet carols were sung and 
kindly greetings exchanged. All was hallowed glad- 
ness, but the gayest there, perhaps, was the pastor him- 
self. Clapping his hands merrily, and rubbing them 
through and through his abundant silvery hair, till it 
stood out like the nimbus in some old saint's picture, he 
said triumphantly to an English friend standing near: 

"Ah, Mrs. A , John Bull has nothing to do with this 

— this 'is all ' Vaterland ' ! " Afterwards he wrote: "A 
Christmas-tree lighted up, and hung with good things, 
books, etc., with a parcel of needy children, merry 
around it, is a delightful picture of Christianity 'giv- 
ing gifts to men' — gifts temporal as well as spiritual. 
and especially blessing the poor." 

He was the first also to introduce in our churches, 
open seats with low kneeling benches for the congrega- 
tion, instead of private cushioned pews with the high 
soft hassock for support in leaning forward, not kneel- 
ing, at the prayers. It was a new lesson to see such 
men as Robert B. Minturn sitting on those benches, one 
in this with the humblest of his fellow-worshippers. 

Dr. Muhlenberg never had any other arrangement 



212 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

for seating the people in the churches and chapels lie 
originated. He used to say that if sincere Christians 
could only look through the mists of custom at things 
as they are, they would shrink back, as at a fearful 
desecration, from the proprietorship of luxurious little 
apartments, secured by money, for their exclusive use 
in the sanctuary of the Lord of Hosts. He expressed 
himself more severely still on the sacrilegiousness of 
pew auctions. Thus, in one of those epigrammatic 
rhymings habitual with him: 

"LINES ON A PEW AUCTION. 

"If the Saviour drove out of the temple of old 
Poor ignorant Jews, who bought there and sold, 
What would He to Christians, so given to pelf, 
As traffic to make of the temple itself! 
Woe, woe to the church, ruled by Mammon-made lords, 
When He cometh again with the scourge of His cords ! " 

It would be curious to trace the history of pews. 
Perhaps the necessary research would not reveal a 
beginning much more pious or dignified, whatever the 
kind of pew, than that attributed to the high wain- 
scoted compartments not yet extinct in old-fashioned 
neighborhoods, the origin of which is thus given by 
Dr. Muhlenberg in the Evangelical Catholic (1852), — 

" Bishop Burnet complained that the ladies of the 
Princess Anne's establishment did not look at him 
while preaching his 'thundering long sermons,' as 
Queen Mary called them, but were looking at other 
objects. He, therefore, after much remonstrance on 



ORIGIN OF PEWS. 213 

their impropriety, prevailed on Queen Anne to order 
all the pews in St. James's Chapel to be raised so high 
that the fair delinquents could see nothing but himself 
■when he was in the pulpit ! The princess laughed at 
the complaint; but she complied when Burnet told her 
that the interests of the church were in danger. The 
whim of Bishop Burnet was imitated in many churches 
which had not been pewed before, and such pews are 
.at this hour to be seen in remote country parishes." 



CHAPTER XIV. 

1849-1851. 

Impetus given to Hospital Project. — A Day in the Annals of the Church. — 
Public Plea for a Church Hospital. — St. Luke's Incorporated. — A 
Hundred Thousand Dollars Asked. — Large Subscriptions. — Robert B. 
Minturn and the Anonymous Five Thousand. — First Idea as to Names 
of Donors. — Review of Cholera Summer. — Death of Choir Boy. — 
Labors during Epidemic. — Visiting Cholera Hospital. — Another Chor- 
ister taken. — Music of the Church of the Holy Communion. — Boy 
Choirs. — Mode of Supporting a Free Church. — The Weekly Eucharist 
and Daily Service. — A Missionary Meeting. — Rubrics not Choke-Strings 
of the Heart. — The Friday Evening Lecture. — The Sacramental Sys- 
tem. — Bishop Ives's Submission to Rome. — Would Like to Wear Coarser 
Clothes. — Devoted Filial Love. — His Mother's Last Illness and Death. 
— The Funeral. — Tender Sentiment. 

The cholera visitation of 1849 gave an impetus both 
to the Hospital project and to the Sisterhood. In 
Dr. Muhlenberg s mind, these two organizations were 
never dissociated, whatever the apprehensions of others. 
Without an assured prospect of such voluntary nurses, 
he never would have attempted the formation of a 
church hospital, often uttering as an axiom, "No Sis- 
ters, no St. Luke's." So when, in the imminence of the 
pestilence, a Sister, and a companion like-minded, made 
their initiatory experience in one of the hospitals im- 
provised by the city for that exigency, he saw in it a 
promise for the future which inspired him with new 
encouragement to prosecute his Hospital idea. 



A DAY TO BE REMEMBERED. 215 

There had been an addition to the original nest-egg 
on each successive festival of St. Luke's since 1846, 
and a few good women had formed themselves into a 
little hospital circle, for the contribution, through some 
neeclle-work, of their mite, " in token of their faith that 
what required thousands would one day come to pass"; 
but Dr. Muhlenberg made no particular exertion for 
the advancement of his plan until the autumn of this 
year, 1849, when St. Luke's Day was observed by his 
congregation as an especial ''Thanksgiving" for deliv- 
erance from cholera, two only of its members having 
succumbed to the disease. A number of clergymen 
took part in the occasion, and the usual offertory, was 
converted into a general thank-offering to be applied to 
the Hospital fund, and was so considerable in amount 
as to warrant, with other signs of encouragement, an 
immediate effort to give practical shape to the project 

Before retiring that night, Dr. Muhlenberg made the 
following entry in his journal: " Oct. 18, 1849. Blessed 
be God for this good and happy day. The seed is 
planted, and I trust by the hand of Him who will not- 
let it die. This St. Luke's Day may be remembered in 
the annals of the church ! " — A prophetic hope which 
he lived to see realized far beyond his anticipations; 
not only in the singular success of St. Luke's Hospital, 
but in the influence of that institution in raising the 
character of such provision for the sick generally, and 
in tke multitude of fine, well-ordered hospitals erected 
after its pattern. 

In the following winter his earnest and eloquent 



216 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

" Plea for a Church. Hospital"* was written, consisting 
of two lectures, which were delivered, first before his 
own congregation, and afterwards in St. Paul's, St. 
John's, and, perhaps, some other of the city churches. 
With the actual St. Luke's before us, it is well to carry 
the mind back to those days of trembling hope and 
endeavor, and so see something of the cost, whereby, 
on the Founder's part, the church came into posses- 
sion of so. fair a jewel. He had no confidence aside 
from persistent prayer in any thing that he undertook, 
nor did he venture to seat himself to w r rite these 
" Hospital Lectures" without first pouring out his heart 
in supplication for divine approval and assistance. 
Some of his recorded petitions on this subject are tran- 
scribed, as essential to the illustration of the spirit 
and manner in which this important undertaking was 
begun : 

" Lord, I set about this work praying for thy 
guidance and direction from the beginning, . . . 
Ought there not to be a House of Refuge for our suf- 
fering brethren ? Hast thou not put it into iny heart 
to stir up the people to the work? Shall I not fail in 
my duty, if I do not perform what I trust thou hast 
called me to do — unworthy as I am, of myself, to un- 
dertake the least service for thee? giTe me thy 
Holy Spirit. purify me, dear Lord, in attempting 
this labor of love. .... my blessed Jes"d/, who 
didst pass so much of thy time in healing tfe* sick, 

* See Ev. Cath. Papers, Second Series. 



A PUBLIC HOSPITAL MEETING. 217 

give me of thy spirit! Be with me in showing thy 
disciples the offices of love they owe to their poor and 
suffering brethren. I would begin and carry on the 
work wholly in thy name. Purge me from all vanity 
and self-consequence; strengthen me; give me neces- 
sary health. Guide me. I consecrate myself to thee 
anew in this service which I pray thee to accept at 
my hands. Jesus, make it thine own — thine own 
work from beginning to end ! " 

In May, 1850, St. Luke's Hospital became an- Incor- 
poration in law, with Mr. Kobert B. Minturn as Presi- 
dent of the Board of Managers. The idea of a hospital 
on a scale worthy of the communion whose ornament 
and pride it now is, was received with such general 
favor, that it was resolved the scheme should be de- 
veloped beyond its first thought, which was that of 
simply a parochial institution, and the Board of Man- 
agers passed a resolution to solicit for it the sum of 
one hundred thousand dollars. " In pursuance of this," 
wrote Dr. Muhlenberg in his sketch of the "History and 
Progress of St. Luke's,"* a meeting of churchmen was 
held in the Stuyvesant Institute, at which, after ad- 
dresses by several of the clergy, of different schools or 
parties, but one in the charity which stills even the- 
ological polemics, committees of collection were ap- 
pointed, and the work was put fairly afloat." 

A large number of subscriptions Avere speedily ob- 
tained, and for the most part in sums far exceeding 

* See Ev. Cath. Papers, Second Series. 



218 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

any thing to which people were accustomed in those 
days, in the way of charitable benefactions. There 
was one subscription of twenty thousand dollars, an- 
other of ten thousand, two of five thousand, and 
so on. 

It was a gift of ten thousand dollars, privately put 
into Dr. Muhlenberg's hand by Mr. Robert B. Minturn 
as a personal thank-offering for an especial favor, which 
gave the first impulse towards soliciting the hundred 
thousand dollars. Later, there came, in the ordinary 
Sunday morning offertory, five bills of one thousand 
each, labelled, "For St. Luke's Hospital," without any 
clew to the donor. Mr. Minturn was one with Dr. 
Muhlenberg in desiring that no names should be affixed 
to the subscriptions and donations for this object. He 
happened to be in the vestry when the five one thou- 
sand dollar bills alluded to were brought in among 
the usual offerings. "Doctor, let me hold those bills, 
let me hold them a moment," he said in his quick 
way. " I want to touch such money." But it was 
soon manifest that so high and blessed a way of giv- 
ing could not generally prevail under modern business 
arrangements, and the ordinary method of recording 
and acknowledging donations and subscriptions ob- 
tained. It is observable, however, that in the list of 
subscribers to the building, appended to the printed re- 
port, only the names are given, the amounts severally 
contributed are not published. 

The cholera plague had, it is true, fallen very lightly 
upon the congregation of the Holy Communion, yet 



DEATH OF A BOY-CHORISTER, 219 

one of its two victims was a lovely boy-chorister, so 
dear to the pastor, that his sudden removal was a se- 
vere blow. He was playing on the sidewalk in the 
moonlight before he went to bed; the next day, after 
morning prayer, an older brother ran over to the church, 
saying that Fred was very ill with cholera. Hastening 
to his bedside, Dr. Muhlenberg found the child already 
in the hopeless stage of the disease, but the little fellow 
knew his loving pastor's voice, as he bent over him in 
prayer, and with a last effort threw his arms around 
his neck and kissed him. A little after he was gone. 

Dr. Muhlenberg was unusually affected by this boy's 
death. The same tender melancholy that had absorbed 
him in his youth when the good old Provost of the Uni- 
versity of Philadelphia died so suddenly, and also in 
two other succeeding bereavements, again possessed 
him powerfully, and this to his own surprise. 

" Strange that I should be thus affected," he writes. 
" I could not have believed it of my old heart. Per- 
haps, mingled with my feelings, is a little self-reproach 
that I have not said much to Fred of late. Oh that I 
had known he was so soon to be taken from us ! " 

Again, later: "It is now three weeks since Fred's 
death, and yet my mind lingers on thoughts of the 
boy. I can not pass his flower-bed in my yard with- 
out a sweet melancholy — Is it morbid feeling? I n an 
recollect but three other occasions in my life when I 
experienced the same kind of pensive grief — though 
grief it is not. ... In those cases it seemed natural 
enough, but it is strange here. ... I see the good 



220 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG 

that I trust will come of it — my attachment to boys 
will be more wholly spiritual. I will try to lead his 
older brothers to God. There shall be more perfect 
order in the choir," etc., etc. 

" Fred was thirteen years of age — a bright and lovely 
boy, fond of the House of God, in whose services for 
more than a year he had constantly assisted" — so it 
read in the published notice of his death, signed with 
the pastors initials. The sentiment of the simple fu- 
neral indicated the same tender hand as having ar- 
ranged it all. A note remains of this : 

" Thursday, Aug. 30th, 1849. My dear Fred's funeral. 
Eight of his boy companions were pall-bearers. The 
whole service was in the church; in the 'committal,' at 
the words, 'looking for the general resurrection,' the 
boys cast flowers on the coffin, some of which had been 
planted by Fred in his little garden in my yard. The 
body was carried on the bier, by the boys, to St. Mark's 
vault for interment. Nearly all who came to the 
church followed to the burial-place, including women 
and girls, contrary to the custom here, but obeying the 
impulse of their feelings. Fred was greatly beloved in 
the neighborhood. It was a large funeral for a boy 
under any circumstances, but particularly so in these 
cholera times." 

That cholera summer was one of incessant work for 
Dr. Muhlenberg, and also for his especial assistants and 
the few wealthier of the parishioners, who remained in 
town. Perhaps that the congregation, so many of 
whose members were of the poorer class, were vis- 



THE CUP OF COLD WATER. 221 

ited no more severely by the scourge is in good meas- 
ure attributable to the care the pastor took of them. 
He went constantly in and out among these humble 
ones, cheering them and helping them physically as 
well as spiritually. He sent them, as we have seen, on 
" Fresh Air" excursions, and drew up a code of very 
plain instructions, which he caused to be printed in 
large type, to teach them what best to do to keep 
well, and how to act under the premonitory symptoms 
of the epidemic, as, also, where to obtain the necessary 
remedies, medicine, etc., not omitting, in conclusion, to 
exhort them against being afraid to help each 'other if 
any were taken ill, and fortifying them kindly for this 
duty by an explanation that the cholera was not in 
the ordinary sense of the term " catching." 

In addition to this, he was unremitting in his visits to 
the Cholera Hospital in West Thirteenth Street, which 
by proximity he considered one of his fields of duty, 
and where he did not work without encouraging re- 
sults. At the beginning of his Cholera Hospital min- 
istrations which some thought an uncalled-for risk, 
he wrote: "Let me make allowance for my brother 
clergymen who do not see it their duty; but if it is only 
a kind word to the sufferers, it is something for Christ's 
sake, — it is the 'cup of cold water.' To pass by such 
an hospital on your way to church, without ever enter- 
ing it, seems to me is to play the priest and the Levite 
of the parable." Nevertheless, he was constitutionally 
timid about sickness. 

This memorable year was not to close without the 



222 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

loss of yet another beloved boy-singer. A leaf from 
the pastor's own note-book again gives the particulars. 
"Monday, Dec. 17th, 1849. This morning, at four 
o'clock, a messenger came- for me, from Dr. Coxe to 
see his son. I rose, hastened to the house through 
the thick fog, and found the dear child dying— -the 
family kneeling around the bed. 'There, Doctor, is 
your little chorister/ said his mother. I prayed as I 
could with the distracted family — ere I was done the 
boy was no more. I stayed some time trying to com- 
fort them. About ten days before, at the Ladies' Em- 
ployment Society, 1 had said to his mother, 'Willie is 
now ready to take Fred's place. He must go into the 
upper choir.' She asked me if I remembered how she 
received what I said. I did. She sighed, and a sad ex- 
pression passed over her face. ' Your words,' she said, 
'seemed prophetic — "the upper choir." 5 William Au- 
gustine Coxe* was a lovely, beautiful boy, the very 
ideal of a chorister. His voice was coming out finely 
in the alto, and we calculated on having him for a long 
while, he being but ten years old. He was to have 
sung the alto in ' Arise and shine ' on Twelfth Night — ■ 
just as Fred began last year. Down-stairs too " (with 
the lower choir by the chancel), "he had been sitting 
precisely in Fred's place. So God takes my boys — I 
trust to himself. I have often talked of dressing them 
in surplices, but he arrays them in his own white 
robes." 

* A nephew of Bishop Coxe, of Western New York, 



BOY CHOIRS. 223 

Dr. Muhlenberg's character and position, with his 
fine musical taste, enabled him to make the worship of 
his church, with regard to the music, exceptionally per- 
fect. The benefit to a boy of such an association soon 
became understood; so that he had always his choice 
of singing boys, and rarely sweet were the voices of 
some thus chosen. On the other hand, his own love 
of music, and the holy joy he found in praising God, 
naturally led him to take great pleasure in these young 
choristers. But he failed not to watch himself jeal- 
ously in this particular; and when, in a certain in- 
stance, a pre-eminently beautiful voice was likely to 
be no longer available, he exclaimed to an enthusi- 
astic musical friend sympathizing with him in the 

case, "Ah! my dear E , I fear we have taken a 

carnal delight in C 's singing." 

The Psalter was chanted antiphonally, the boys of 
the lower choir leading the congregation. The Pointed 
Psalter which they used was arranged from a larger 
work on Church Music prepared by Dr. Muhlenberg in 
conjunction with Dr. Wainwright. On Friday even- 
ings, after the weekly lecture, the members of the 
church generally were practised in congregational sing- 
ing. There were no hired singers except the precentor, 
or leader as he was there called. 

Looking back many years later upon some of the dis- 
tinctive features of his church, Dr. Muhlenberg said: 
"I never thought myself much of a musician. Had I 
been more of one, I might not have been satisfied with 
the kind of music I have been mostly concerned for as 



224 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

suitable for the worship of the church. I have always 
desired the chorus of the congregation, not however 
to the exclusion of more elaborate music by a trained 
choir. My abhorrence of a quartette is sufficiently re- 
corded in my 'Lecture on Congregational Singing.'* 
I w^as the first to introduce boy choirs in Xew York, 
but I reflect upon that with less pleasure when I see 
how they have since been used, not to lead, but to be 
heard alone; their voices too often shrill and unpleas- 
ant from the want of culture. I fear also the effect 
upon the poor boys themselves. I am glad I have 
written some things that have met with general accept- 
ance, such as the Christmas Carol, the Advent Choral, 
etc., and I wish that as in some other things the clergy 
have followed the customs of the Church of the Holy 
Communion, they had also done so in gathering their 
congregations together for the practice of congrega- 
tional singing." 

The Weekly Eucharist, the Offertory, and the Daily 
Service, also passed under review by him in connection 
with the foregoing. The weekly celebration of the 
Lord's Supper, in the Church of the Holy Communion, 
did not begin with the beginning of the church. It 
was not entered on until the pastor knew something of 
his congregation, and then very carefully, and with a 
distinct instruction that' in establishing such, it was not 
expected that every communicant should receive every 
Lord's day. Heads of families, more especially among 

* See Ev. Cath. Papers, Second Series 



THE WEEKLY COMMUNION. 225 

the poor and where there were young children requir- 
ing oversight, and other responsible members of much- 
occupied households, domestic servants and the like, 
by means of a weekly communion, could divide and 
partake one on this Sunday and another on the next. 
Again : the Holy Table, found spread each Lord's day, 
often offered in seasons of especial personal sorrow, or 
joy, very acceptable comfort, at the time most needed, 
and which would have passed away perhaps before 
the recurrence of the monthly administration. These, 
among others, were reasons why a free church, in par- 
ticular, might profit greatly by a weekly opportunity 
for communing, and on these and many similar points, 
the congregation were very plainly taught ; they were 
further presented with a Pastoral Tract, treating of the 
Weekly Eucharist on its higher ground. 

In connection with the foregoing, it should be ob- 
served that the weekly communion in this church was 
a distinct service. The regular morning prayer with the 
psalter and lessons was at nine o'clock, and the litany, 
ante-communion service, sermon and offertory at half- 
past ten, at the close of which there was an interval 
of some fifteen minutes, in which the clergyman and 
others retired from the church to re-assemble upon the 
bell striking twelve — the appointed hour for the com- 
munion service. There were always a number at this 
last service, who had not been present at the earlier 
ones, and, on the other hand, many communicants who 
had recently partaken did not return. 

Asking Dr. Muhlenberg for his latest thoughts on 
15 



226 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

this point, he said: "I still adhere in the main to the 
views of my tract on the subject of the weekly com- 
munion, but I w r ould, in another edition of the tract, 
enlarge more upon its dangers as a custom. We need 
extraordinary acts of devotion, and the communion 
ceases to be such when it is weekly or often er. Then, 
again, the good old practice of special preparation, the 
need of which is seen in the abundance of books for the 
purpose by the best of men, I fear is almost necessarily 
laid aside by those who partake of the communion 
whenever they happen to be present at its celebration. 
To speak in homely phrase, the quantity, does not, I 
fear, improve the quality. I don't know that those 
who receive every day, are proportionally greater 
saints, unless there be saintliness in the practice itself, 
which they may be in some danger of assuming. It 
seems hard to say it, but I fear there is a class in our 
church, to be found in none other, who go to the Holy 
Communion with little or no preparation.* 

Concerning the support of free churches he said: 
" Although the free Church of the Holy Communion 
has always been maintained by the weekly offertory, I 
have never thought that that should be exclusively 
the means of support for such churches. The offertory 
should give the opportunity for all to contribute accord- 
ing to their ability, but, in addition, the more wealthy 
members of the congregation should subscribe towards 
an annual reliable income. I say icealtJuj members, be- 
cause I have always repudiated the notion that free 
churches should be exclusively for the poor. Their 



THE DAILY SERVICE. 227 

fundamental idea is the rich and the poor, meeting to- 
gether in the house of the Lord. They are practical 
demonstrations of the Christian church as the divine 
brotherhood. The objection to free churches, that fam- 
ilies can not sit together, could be removed by some 
agreement among the members of the congregation, 
whereby the rich and the poor have an equal opportu- 
nity of securing regular seats." 

With regard to the daily service, which also he was 
the first to introduce amongst us, he thus expressed 
himself: " If there were no other argument for the con- 
stant morning and evening prayer in our churches (and 
we confess that its expediency in all cases is a ques- 
tion), there is one which should weigh with Protestants, 
viz., that the Holy Scriptures are thus publicly read, in 
course, for the benefit of all who choose to hear. This 
is a great office, for which our church has provided, and 
which we believe is peculiar to her among the churches 
in Christendom. She is thus a perpetual preacher of 
the pure word of God. Though there be but a solitary 
few to listen, she acquits herself of her duty in pro- 
claiming the whole counsel of her Lord. The thought 
is indeed sublime, that from year to year, from age to 
age, her voice as God's prophet, keeps sounding on, in 
the same old words of Holy Writ, ceaseless and con- 
stant in its utterance, as the rising and setting of th . 
sun." * 

Dr. Muhlenberg's note-books of 1849 and 1850, con- 

* Evangelical Catholic, 1851. 



228 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

tain some characteristic entries, glancing at church 
questions. Thus: " Finished reading Dr. Arnold's Life. 
A noble fellow, whatever were his faults. How much 
my own thoughts and feelings in the school have been 
like his — and in his views of the church I have more 
sympathy than orthodoxy would allow. It is refresh- 
ing to commune with a man of no party, yet full of 
zeal.' , 

Here is his minute cf a special service at the de- 
parture of a young clergyman, a former scholar, as a 
missionary to Wisconsin, where a colony of the Church 
of the Holy Communion, and bearing the same name, 
had been planted. It was on a Sunday, Se,pt. 16th, the 
pastor's fifty-third birthday. There had been the regu- 
lar services, morning and afternoon: "In the evening," 
he wrote, " we had a missionary meeting in the church. 
We began with the Lord's Prayer, all kneeling, then 
the versicles. The choir sang the Benedic to the an- 
them. For the lesson, the 35th of Isaiah; after which 
I made some remarks about our colony, the Church of 
the Holy Communion. Bishop Kemper followed in an 
extemporary address about Wisconsin, and thanking 
the congregation for their interest in his diocese. I 
said a few parting words to the missionary, and we 
sang ' Go forth, ye heralds, in his name.' Then prayer, 
several collects with that in the Institution Office, used 
in the third person. The bishop gave the benediction. 
Many of the people came up to bid the missionary 
good-by, so it was a kind of farewell meeting. Besides 
Bishop Kemper, Bishop , and Dr. , and a num- 



THE MISSIONARY MEETING. 229 

ber of the city clergy were present. They made no 
remarks. It may be they were not very well pleased 
with such an irregularity, as perhaps they regarded it. 
But I am sure the meeting did good. The people will 
feel pledged, to support the mission in a degree that 
would not otherwise have been. Can we do nothing 
except we begin, ' Dearly beloved brethren ' ? Are 
rubrics to be the choke-strings of the heart? Bishop 
Kemper was much pleased with the congregation. 
The church was quite full. Thank God for so pleasant 
a birthday. May he hear the prayers I put up at the 
Holy Communion, which it was grateful to me to re- 
ceive from the hand of the pastor of my youth. Bishop 
Kemper has done a vast amount of good — He is the 
Father of Missions in our church." 

Nov. 16th, 1849, he notes: "Read for the lecture in 
church this evening Newman's sermon on the Individ- 
uality of the Soul." It was not his custom in these 
weekly lectures to deliver an original composition un- 
less during Passion Week, or at other special seasons. 
He would almost invariably avail himself of the rich 
garnered thoughts of some superior writer (openly, of 
course, the book before him or in his hand), but with 
a remarkable appropriation of the subject matter, and 
with gesture and tone, the omission of a word or pas- 
sage here, and the substitution of one there, that made 
the teaching wholly his own. Whether the author who 
did duty for him w^ere Anglican or Evangelical, — New- 
man of Oxford or Robertson of Brighton, — it always 
seemed to be none other than himself who preached, 



230 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS % MUHLENBERG. 

and always with edification and enjoyment to his hear- 
ers. These lectures were read from the desk. In the 
pulpit he never delivered other than original discour 

Later, we find: "My old pupil, , called upon 

me. Very warm in his expressions of attachment. In- 
sists I am more of a churchman than I think myself 
to be," 

Several of the clergy were at this time interested in 
endeavoring to dissuade the rector of one of the large 
city churches from his purpose to secede to Rome, but 
with small success. Of one of these, Dr. Muhlenberg 

wrote: "W , can say little to the purpose against 

this intention, as he is not far from the same thing 
himself. So it w r ill be. The sacramental system can 
never be carried out in our church. I have long since 
been convinced of it. Bishop Ives wull have either to 
retrace his steps, or advance to Rome * — God give me 
grace to be able to do something to open the eyes of 

my dear M (another old pupil). He is so purely 

intellectual I doubt my power." 

Descending from church themes to common affairs, 
we have another jotting down, equally illustrative in 
its way, since even prophets must be clad, — "Called 
at my sister's. My mother gave me money to pay my 
tailor's bill. I would wear coarser clothes if my mother 
would let me." 

On the 26th of June, 1851, this -best of mothers was 
taken from him. His suffering at the separation was 

* Two years later, Bishop Ives sent in his resignation to the Honse 
of Bishops, preparatory to his "Submission to the Church of Borne." 



A BEREAVEMENT. 231 

acute. For almost half a century these two had been 
more to each other than to any one else upon earth. 
Mrs. Muhlenberg's early widowhood, and her son's un- 
married life, had excluded any nearer tie and endeared 
them, mutually, the more closely. 

It is difficult to do justice to the tenderness of his 
rich nature without lifting a little the curtain of his 
domestic privacy at this supreme moment, for such to 
him it was. Often he had said to his beloved parent, 
u Oh, mother, I can never look upon you in your coffin." 
But the inevitable hour for that sight came. What it 
brought to his heart is not to be told here. In his pri- 
vate diary there are twenty large pages filled with the 
particulars of her illness and death, and how the op- 
pressive hours passed with him. He dwells on her 
Christian faith, and what he owed her ; her excellence 
as a mother and his own shortcomings as a son. A 
very remarkable and affecting record. 

He ministered to his parent, spiritually as well as 
bodily, side by side with his only sister. Mrs. Muhlen- 
berg was seventy-seven years old, and of great weight ; 
" A load of flesh," her son wrote, " on the skeleton of a 
bird." She had a most distressing malady, and suf- 
fered intensely. Fainting nature panted for release. 
Towards the last, the physician, a dear friend of the 
family, sat holding her hand, his finger upon the flutter- 
ing pulse. The sufferer scanned his countenance anx- 
iously. "How much longer, doctor," she whispered. 
" Mother," urged her son, "you will have faith and pa- 
tience to the end?" "I have, I have," she instantly 



232 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

replied. Almost his next words were, " God be praised, 
my mother is at rest ! " 

With his deep affection, and tender, delicate sensi- 
bility, it will be readily conceived that every thing con- 
nected with the last duties to his mother's remains was 
the subject of very jealous care. No hired persons 
should be employed. None but loving Christian hands 
might touch his dead, make the grave-clothes, and 
watch with the precious body, during the nights in- 
tervening between the decease and interment. Mrs. 
Muhlenberg died at about half past two o'clock in the 
afternoon. At the evening prayer of that day the be- 
reaved pastor, took his place at the lecturn, for the 
usual service of the church. The second lesson, from 
the third of Ephesians, came with beautiful appropri- 
ateness. " Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in 

heaven and earth is named That we may 

be able to comprehend with all saints, what is the 
length, and depth, and breadth, and height of the 
love of God, that passeth knowledge." 

In the morning, he had left his dying mother 
for a brief space, at the summons of a sick man, 
one of the poorest of the congregation. "Are you 
able for this?" it was asked by one w^ho announced 

the call. Why not let Mr. (the assistant) go ? " 

"No!" he said. U I can not help my mother. I think 

I can help poor J . So there is all the more reason 

for my going when he sends for me." 

The funeral was a singularly plain and simple one. 
Dr. Muhlenberg always entertained a very strong feel- 



ARRANGING THE STUDY. 233 

ing on this point. Any thing like a pageant, or at all 
ornamental or complimentary, he thought not only un- 
real and out of place, but almost a mockery of the sad 
and solemn reality — the humiliation of death. 

He allowed no eye but his own to gaze upon his 
mother's face when it was closed, for the last time, 
from mortal view. Motioning every one from the 
room, including the undertakers, his sister having 
previously withdrawn, he remained some time alone 
with the dead, and. then, with his own hands, put 
down the coffin lid, and called the men to fasten it. 

One or two other touches of character are worthy 
of note. Like most literary men, he was apt to have 
rather a book -strewn and disarranged study. His 
mother was punctiliously neat and orderly. When 
it was found desirable, from the construction of the 
house and other circumstances, to convey the re- 
mains into the church through this room, before the 
hour for the removal came, he occupied himself and 
an attendant in adjusting every thing just as she used 
to desire he should keep it, that there might be noth- 
ing other than she would have liked, as her corpse 
was borne through. 

After his return from the funeral, he sat in his study 
for hours of that day amid this lifeless-looking order, 
reading, from time to time, in a Bible of his mother's, 
which she had used daily. "How do you feel?" in- 
quired a sympathizing Christian friend, finding him 
so engaged. "More like a man than a saint," was the 
reply. 



234 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

It was some time before he became used to having 
no mother. Several days . after her death, having re- 
ceived an unexpected five-thousand-dollar subscription 
for St. Luke's, he hastened as of old to share his joy 
with her, and only slowly recollected that nothing but 
dreary vacancy remained in the room towards which 
he was bending his steps. 



CHAPTER XV. 

1851-1852. 

Projects an Evangelical Catholic Periodical. — Deference to his Mother's 
Wishes. — Object of the Paper. — What is Evangelical Catholicism? — ■ 
General Surprise on Issue of Evangelical Catholic. — Longings for Chris- 
tian Unity. — Hints on Catholic Union. — Minor Use of Periodical. — 
Sisterhood of Holy Communion Organized. — Its Principles. — St. Luke's 
Hospital. — A Young Physician's First Fee. — Significant Bequest. — Ne- 
gotiations of Corporation of St. Luke's with Church of St. George the 
Martyr. — Site Consecrated before Determined upon. — Urgent Demands 
for Hospital Shelter. — The Embryo St. Luke's in a Rear Tenement 
House. 

It is not surprising that at the beginning of his pas- 
torate of the Church of the Holy Communion, Dr. 
Muhlenberg should have been little understood. The 
church was projected, as he said, " in the penumbra of 
Tractarianism," and although, before it was opened for 
worship, he had emerged again into the clear sunlight 
of evangelic truth, "as set forth by the Eeformers," 
there clung to him certain Anglican usages, which, 
with his religious aestheticism, and the general appear- 
ance and ordering of his church, justified the conclu- 
sion of the general observer, that he was an extreme 
"Puseyite," the then sobriquet for "advanced" or Ro- 
manizing churchmen. The open, uncushioned benches, 
absence of women singers in the choir, daily morning 
and evening prayer, and the number of poor people 



236 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

connected with, the parish, were all construed as indica- 
tive of what was heard of the Tractarians on the other 
side of the water. 

Dr. Muhlenberg apprehended all this, and, at an 
early day, conceived the idea of issuing an occasional 
paper, which should exemplify the true principles and 
genius of the Church of the Holy Communion. Nor 
only this. It was not possible for a man of his gifts 
and aspirations to abide simply in the routine of parish 
work, however rich and beautiful that work might be- 
come under his hand. His heart was full of the idea 
of Christian unity. He deeply deplored the divisions 
existing among those who called themselves after the 
one Christ, and longed for some method of communica- 
tion with the church at large, which should make for 
peace and love. Hence his conclusion to edit a paper, 
differing from the religious journals of the time, none 
of which approached his thought on the cardinal point 
of Christian brotherhood. The publication was not to 
be an organ of either of the parties of the day — the 
one setting forth this, the other that view, of the Chris- 
tian church — but an exponent and illustrator of the 
church, both in her objective and her subjective ele- 
ments, and particularly in her office as "a healer of the 
ills that encompass us." 

The Evangelical Catholic was in his mind, for some 
time before it had a tangible existence. He was held 
back from putting his design into effect by the stren- 
uous objection of his venerable mother. "Do not make 
yourself a newspaper editor, William," she urged, as in 



THE "EVANGELICAL CATHOLIC" 237 

his early manhood, she had remonstrated against his 
being a "school-master." There was not the same prin- 
ciple involved, in the present case, and he determined 
to wait. "My dear mother," he said, " misapprehends 
the matter, but she shall not be vexed in her old age 
by any -undertaking, the sound of which is so distaste- 
ful to her." 

Within three months after his mother's decease, the 
first number of the Evangelical Catholic appeared, pros- 
pectively as a weekly, later as a monthly, " chiefly de- 
voted to matters of practical Christianity." Its motto 
was: "For His Body's sake, which is the Church." 

Dr. Muhlenberg originated the term " Evangelical 
Catholic," and in view of the importance of the subject, 
and the value he set upon this combination of words, 
as conveying explicitly the t*-ue theory of the church 
of Christ, it is proper to insert here, an exposition, by 
his own pen, of what is to be understood by Evangelical 
Catholicism. He is addressing, "in a brief and plain 
letter" one who has shown some misapprehension re- 
garding the title of his paper. 

"You must allow me," he writes, "to demur at your 
construction of the name" (Evangelical Catholic). "You 
seem to think it an ingenious fancy for meeting the 
views of both parties in the church — a happy device 
for being High and Low at the. same time. Something 
like this, I find, is the notion of others, who, on that 
account, dislike the name, as they well may with such 

an interpretation of it TVe do not aspire to 

be a tertium quid between the existing parties — a little 



238 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

of each and not much of either — a 'whitish-brown* 
among the ecclesiastical hues of the day. We do not 
profess to be either Catholic or Evangelical, much less 
both, in the cant use of those terms. We employ them 
in their original and proper signification, and thus 
understood they express something homogeneous and 
positive, very different from the heterogeneous and 
mongrel things wdiich they have been supposed to 
stand for. 

"In saying what we mean by Evangelical Catholi- 
cism, let me begin at the beginning, and express myself 
in a plain and simple way, in order to be understood 
by others who may be less informed than yourself. 

" Of course, in common with all churchmen, we pro- 
fess to be Catholics. We do not repudiate the Creed. 
We believe in the Holy* Catholic Church : we believe 
that our Lord came into the world, not only to make 
a revelation of the truth to mankind, but also to found 
an institution which should hold and be actuated by 
the truth he revealed, and of which he himself should 
be the everliving Head. If we believed that he came 
only to make a revelation of the truth — to impart a 
system of doctrine and practice to the world, it might 
be sufficient that we called ourselves Christians; there- 
by simply professing our belief in wdiat he taught — 
adopting Christianity as our religion. But we believe 
in Christianity, not as an abstraction, but as an in- 
stitution — a divine institution, adapted to all mankind 
in all ages : in other words, the Catholic Church. This 
we declare in calling ourselves Catholics. Hence the 



EVANGELICAL CATHOLICISM. 239 

importance of adhering to this ancient appellation. To 
give it np would be ignoring the existence of the 
church — would be admitting that Christianity is no 
more than a doctrine or a philosophy, and that we are 
simply disciples, not members of a body. No : as I am 
more than a disciple — as I would not be a unit, an . 
isolated believer, or associated, by a common creed, 
with the living few immediately about me — I will 
glory in the name which identifies me with the one 
congregation of Christ everywhere, and which, tells 
that as a " church member," here or there, I belong not 
to a society which began yesterday or a century ago, 
but to the divine incorporation which has been per- 
petuated from age to age, a living and uninterrupted 
body, from the days of the humanity of the Son of God. 
I grieve therefore, to see Protestants so indifferent to 
the name. It looks as if they had quite lost the church 
idea of Christianity, and were as well content to con- 
tinue in their separate and divided state, as in the old 
bonds of the Catholic brotherhood. This, however, I 
know, is not altogether the case. There are signs 
among Protestants of a longing for an outward Cath- 
olicity, which shall express and give effect to their 
agreement in those cardinal articles of the Fathers, 
which are the main element in Catholicism. In testi- 
mony Of this, they should persist in calling themselves 
Catholics. On no account should the name be sur- 
rendered (as it now so generally is) to those who claim 
it exclusively for themselves. It seems a concession 
that they have all the right to it, whereas, at most, thej 



240 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

are only a part of the Catholic brotherhood. Ho^v 
sound a part I need not just now say, but certainly a 
very un brotherly part since they excommunicate thou- 
sands and tens of thousands who have every Scriptural 
mark of brethren in Christ. They are Boman Cath- 
olics. Let them have the appellation which designates 
their true position in the ecclesiastical w T orld. Their 
communion is bounded by a circumference which has 
the Roman Episcopate for its centre. All outside of that 
they pronounce to be outside of the Catholic Church. 
The Bishop of Rome, as the successor of St. Peter, they 
say, is the vicar of Christ on earth, and in order to be 
in communion with Christ, men must be in communion 
with the Bishop of Rome. This is Roman Catholicism. 
We protest against it, and hence are called Protestants. 
We might be called Protestant Catholics ; there would 
be nothing incongruous in the designation, since it 
would denote one portion of the Catholic body protest- 
ing against another, which, indeed, claims to be the 
whole. But there is this defect in it, that it does not 
state the ground on which the one portion protests 
against the other. What is that ground? The Gospel. 
Not ancient Catholicity, nor primitive, nor even Apos- 
tolical Catholicity; though each of these affords solid 
ground for our protest, and as we took one or the other, 
we should be ancient, primitive, or Apostolical Cath- 
olics. We go at once to the Gospel, and assert our 
selves Gospel (i. e., Evangelical) Catholics. We oppose 
the Church of the Gospel to the Church of Rome. In 
order to find that Church, we have only to turn to 



EVANGELICAL CATHOLICISM. 241 

the beloved Evangelist, who opens his Gospel with 
announcing it — 'The Word was God.' 'The Word 
was made flesh, and dwelt among us.' ' He came unto 
his own, and his own received him not; but as many 
as received him, to them gave he power to become 
the sons of God, even to them that believe on his 
Name: which were born not of blood, nor of the will 
of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.' Here 
is the origin of the church — the incarnation of the 
eternal Son. Those who received him, who believed 
on his Name, were made the sons of God; conse- 
quently, the brethren of him, the Son of God made 
flesh. This consequence of brotherhood with Christ 
is not mere inference. St. Paul styles the Son of 
God 'the First-born among many brethren/ Again: 
4 He is not ashamed to call them brethren.' And 
again: 'He took not on him the nature of angels, but 
he took on him the seed of Abraham ; wherefore in all 
things it behooved him to be made like unto his breth- 
ren.' Now these brethren, among whom Christ is the 
First-born, whom he is not ashamed to call his breth- 
ren — this divine brotherhood can be no other than 
the church; and since it is not confined to one na- 
tion, as was the Jewish Church, but is gathered out 
of all nations and kindred and people and tongues, it 
is the Catholic Church — the Church universal — of the 
Gospel." 

"What were the Eeformers and their followers? Did 

they cease to be Catholics ? By no means. They as- 
16 



242 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

serted their Catholicity, and proved it by appealing to 
Scripture and antiquity. They never dreamed of strik- 
ing out of the Creed the article of the Holy Catholic 
Church. But then, contending as they did for the 
Gospel doctrine of union with Christ by faith, immedi- 
ate and direct, in opposition to the Roman doctrine of 
communion with Christ only through the priesthood — 
proclaiming the glorious liberty of the sons of God, a 
deliverance from the servitude of a system which gen- 
erated not the spirit of adoption, but the 'spirit of 
bondage again to fear' — they were distinctively Gos- 
pel, Evangelical Catholics, and such, I maintain, is the 
proper denomination of all Protestants who honestly 
and heartily receive the Apostles' Creed. 

"From what I have said, you will be ready to con- 
clude that Evangelical Catholicism, after all, means 
nothing more than 'Evangelicalism.' I hope to show 
you wherein it differs from that on the one side, and 
from 'Anglicanism' on the other. 

" . . . . But you say, to speak of Evangelical Ca- 
tholicism is tautology, since all true Catholicism must 
be Evangelical, and all true Evangelicalism must be 
Catholic. Certainly, and I grant that Catholic would 
be sufficient, if there was not a well-nigh universal 
understanding that the term is synonymous with Ro- 
man Catholic. This is a misfortune — but so it is. 'Use 
is the law of language ' — use has affixed a certain sig- 
nification to the term, and we can not alter it, Speak 
of Catholics, and not one in a hundred would suppose 
you meant any others than members of the Roman 



EVANGELICAL CATHOLICISM. 243 

Church. If we will have the name, and surrender it 
we can not, we must qualify it, we must explain it, in 
order to guard against the common construction of it — - 
we must affix an epithet which will tell that we are not 
Eomanists, and wliy we are not, and for this purpose I 
know none better than that here contended for. As 
Protestants, we believe that Romanism is at variance 
with the Gospel, and therefore we style ourselves Gos- 
pel, that is, Evangelical Catholics. This states our posi- 
tion both as Protestants and members of the Catholic 
Church. 

" The Catholic Church is the universal society of the 
brethren in Christ which has existed from the begin- 
ning, when the Son of God was made flesh, and men 
by believing in him became the sons of God; all who 
believe in him and are baptized constitute this broth- 
erhood. 1 do not say all who truly believe in him, 
because they can not be distinguished from others who 
do not truly believe, and I say who are baptized, 
because baptism is the sacrament of adoption, where- 
in God declares himself their Father, and they profess 
themselves to be his children, and consequently broth- 
ers in Christ. Thus, all the baptized are to be regarded 
as members of the Catholic Church, so long as they do 
not renounce their baptism, either by an avowed re- 
jection of the Catholic faith, or an openly bad life, 
which is virtually such a rejection. 

"What is the Catholic Faith? I answer, that which 
has been universally required to be believed, in order 
to salvation. We find it in its simplest form in several ' 



244 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

places in the New Testament, Thus, it is that which 
the Ethiopian eunuch professed, and on which Philip 
baptized him : c I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son 
of God.' This was all the creed demanded of him. 
The same was the creed which St. Paul enjoined on 
the jailor when he baptized him : l Believe on the Lord 
Jesus Christ, and thou slialt be saved.' This was the 
creed of Martha when, amid her grief, she exclaimed: C I 
believe that thou art the Christ which should come into 
the world.' This was the confession which satisfied our 
Lord, when Peter said: C I believe that thou are the 
Christ, the Son of the living. God,' and so satisfied him 
that he declared upon that confession he would build 
his church. 'This is his commandment,' says- St. John, 
'that we should believe on the name of his Son Je- 
sus Christ.' And again: 'Who is he that overcometh 
the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son 
of God ? ' From all that appears, this short and sum- 
mary confession was the whole, on the score of belief 
of what was required of the first converts in order to 
their baptism. The apostles proclaimed Jesus of Xaz- 
areth the Son of God — the hearers believed, and were 
baptized. Their belief, expressed in so few words, im- 
plied indeed, immediately and directly a great deal, 
but nothing more was explicitly declared. The creed 
of the eunuch, ' I believe that Jesus Christ is the 
Son of God,' was the original symbol of the Catholic 
Faith. After the age of the apostles, and when the 
life of our Lord on earth became matter of history, 
this brief formula was expressed more at length in 



EVANGELICAL CATHOLICISM. 245 

that primitive and extremely ancient document — so 
ancient, that it has ever been known as the Apostles' 
Creed. This, besides the acknowledgment of God the 
Father and God the Holy Ghost, is for the most part a 
short history of Jesus, from his incarnation to his ascen- 
sion into heaven, thence to come again to judge both 
the quick and the dead; so that, in fact, it is mainly 
the original formula drawn out in historical detail. 
This served the church for the first three centuries. 
All the generations of men and women that were 
enrolled among her members made only this summary 
profession. That which was the Catholic Faith then,- 
must be the Catholic Faith now; and that which was 
a sufficient expression of it then, is a sufficient expres- 
sion of it now. Such, certainly, is the judgment of our 
own branch of the church in the matter. She requires 
nothing, either of the adult or the sponsor for the in- 
fant, but a belief in c the Articles of the Christian Faith 
as contained in the Apostles' Creed.' She inserts no 
other creed in her catechism; and when she asks of 
the catechumen what he chiefly learned from it, he 
is instructed to proceed with no deductions or infer- 
ences from it, or at least only such as are immediate 
and obvious. . . . This is eminently the Catholic 
creed. Whoever holds it, holds all that the church 
in all ages has required to be believed in order to 
salvation. Of course, I am not speaking of what we 
are required to do, nor of the sacraments, ministry, or 
worship of the church, but simply of the Faith. The 
Credenda, and that by common consent, and the em- 



246 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

phatic practice of our own church in particular, is the 
Apostles' Creed. 

"'But this brief document,' you will remind me, 'is 
a very comprehensive and profound one. It is a fund 
of truth, vast, rich, and deep. In abiding by its arti- 
cles, we implicitly receive all that is contained in them, 
and what follows from them. We do not take the 
several articles as so many barren propositions.' Un- 
questionably, Ave are bound to receive all that follows 
from the Creed by fair deduction ; that is, provided we 
see it to be such deduction. If we do not thus see it, 
we are not bound to receive it. Many, the great ma 
jority of deductions from the Creed are so evident, that 
we are compelled to admit them as of equal authority 
with the Creed itself. Others are not so. A propo- 
sition asserted to flow necessarily from one of the 
original articles may seem domonstrable to one man 
and ' not to another. Such propositions every one is 
at liberty to examine by the light of reason and Holy 
Writ, and accept or refuse them accordingly. A man 
is not unsound in the faith as long as he stands on the 
apostolical basis, however he may regard some of the 
superstructures that are raised upon it. He is not to 
be set down for a heretic, as long as he honestly ad- 
heres to the oH Catholic symbol, although he may deny 
alleged inferences from it, and although, moreover, 
these inferences be maintained as part and parcel of 
the faith by a large portion of the church, perchance 
by the whole branch of the church to which he belongs. 
This is his Christian liberty — the liberty secured to him 



EVANGELICAL CATHOLICISM. 247 

at his baptism, which he received on condition of his 
believing the Apostles' Creed. As long as he honestly 
adheres to that, he has not apostatized from his bap- 
tismal faith, and if not an apostate from that faith, he 
is not a heretic. 

"Upon the groundwork of the Creed, or upon a 
groundwork added to it, drawn from Scripture, men 
have reared the numberless and multiform theological 
systems which divide the Christian world. The advo- 
cates of each, confident that they reason conclusively 
from the fundamental premises, earnestly contend for it 
as for 'the faith once delivered to the saints.' Each 
stands up for his own articles, formularies, or dogmas, 
as valiantly as he stands up for the Creed, nay, more 
valiantly, since, in striving for these t he believes he is 
most successfully striving for that, which often is lost 
sight of in the zeal employed upon the means for its 
preservation. Hence come the distraction and discord 
of Christendom. Hence there are as many orthodoxies 
as there are branches, divisions, and schisms in the 
church. Hence there are as many voices of the truth 
— if so be that truth can speak with contradictory voices 
— as there were tongues in the Corinthian Church, 
where each had a language of his own. Hence in our 
respective pulpits we preach from our books of theology, 
accordino- to our traditionarv formulas, our conventional 
modes of faith or doctrine, every herald of the Gospel 
sounding his own party trumpet, averring that it alone 
gives forth the note of truth. Amid this noise and jar, 
oh for the voice of the glorious old Creed once more, 



248 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

in its own pure and solemn strains rising above our 
discords, and rallying men to the original common 
ground where the church once stood at unity with 
herself, and where, if her unity is ever to be restored, 
she must stand again ! We shall have to fall back 
upon the primitive ground, and use our strength in 
defending the common territory, instead of expending 
it all upon the separate fabrics there erected. We 
Protestants have need to come to a better understand- 
ing, and to look about for a platform broad enough 
for us to stand together upon, and to make common 
cause against the enemy, which, from opposite quar- 
ters, is coming in like a flood; and what can that be 
but the Eock-Confession on which Christ hath built 
his Church. . . ." 

"The Evangelical Catholic" wrote Dr. Harwood, who, 
at Dr. Muhlenberg's solicitation, became his assistant 
in the editorship of the paper, "was a genuine surprise, 
and the surprise culminated when it was discovered 
that he had no doctrinal affiliation with the party to 
which it had been assumed that he belonged. It was 
found that he was thoroughly Protestant, both in his 
beliefs and his sympathies. Catholic he claimed to be, 
because he held to the historic church, with its creed, 
and sacraments, and ministry, and type of worship; 
Evangelical, because the Scriptures were the sole ulti- 
mate rule of faith and practice. He advocated great 
freedom of thought within the faith of Christ. This 
was the position he laid down, and upon which he 
stood before the church and country. Standing upon 



EARLY LOXGIXGS FOR CATHOLIC UNITY. 249 

it resolutely, he found, and others found also, that he 
thenceforth, surely, and without any qualification, be- 
gan to acquire the confidence of the community, and 
became a recognized power in Xew York and through- 
out the church." 

Xo change took place in the manner or character 
of his church services or sermons with the publica- 
tion of the Evangelical Catholic. Gradually, perhaps, 
there was a more thorough clearing away of any ves- 
tige of "mere ecclesiasticism " that may have lingered 
with him from his brief contact with Oxford. 

He may have felt more sure of his ground, and so 
have preached, as some thought, "with more power 
than ever before." But there was nothing really new 
to himself in that which took others by surprise. 

As far back as the year 1835, in the midst of his 
school labors, he had written, and the following year 
published, his ;, Hints on Catholic Union."* From be- 
ginning to end of his ministry, his heart was full of 
a yearning desire for the union, in some form, of the 
Protestant bodies of Christendom. He was all along 
an "Evangelical Catholic," though not until now did 
he invest his principles with that pertinent name His 
earliest explicit utterance in print was the above 
named treatise in 1835, in undertaking which he at 
first only designed to write a brief preface to some 
extracts from Bishop Jeremy Taylor's '-Liberty of 
Prophesying," but the subject opened up to him as he 

* See Ev. Oath. Papers, First Series. 



250 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

studied it, and the preface became a book. The key- 
note of the essay is found in the sacred opening words 
from our Lord's Sacerdotal Prayer: "That they all 
may be one, as thou Father art in me and I in thee, 
that they also may be one in us; that the world. may 
believe that thou hast sent me." "That they all may 
be one" — the great company of believers throughout 
the world, — the church, being, as Hooker says, "like 
the sea — one everywhere, though it have many pre- 
cincts and many names." 

A larger experience showed him that the particular 
methods of union suggested in the little work referred 
to, needed reconsideration, but its theory throughout 
is what he afterwards so repeatedly and eloquently 
urged: namely, Evangelical Catholicism; and the spirit 
of the treatise of eighteen years before, was identical 
with that of the present paper. The able columns of 
the latter, in connection with higher and more thought- 
ful articles, brought the touchstone of its principles to 
bear, in a lighter way, on men and things generally, 
on passing public events, and on the minutiae of do- 
mestic life. Many a pithy word and bright little les- 
son filled up spare corners of the sheet, and sometimes 
a reader would recognize in the pleasantly put item 
a suggestion furnished by himself. Thus: A fond 
father and mother, on one of Dr. Muhlenberg's pas- 
toral visits, exhibited the accomplishments of their 
baby boy. They were both amused and instructed to 
read in the next issue of the Evangelical Catholic the 
following: "'Show how big you are.' And the dear 



"SHOW HOW BIG YOU ARE." 251 

little creature, long before it can speak, lifts its tiny 
hands to its head — l So big.' 'Now, again, show how 
big you are.' The darling baby, how well it under- 
stands already. What wonder that all our lives long 
we are showing lioic big ice are, when it is one of the 
first lessons we learn in infancy. " 

Incidentally, the paper was serviceable to St. Luke's 
Hospital and the Sisterhood, by keeping both institu- 
tions in view, and in the latter case, gradually allay- 
ing apprehensions of a secret nunnery and the like, by 
promoting familiarity with the true genius of the so- 
ciety. Much prudence had to be exercised, however, 
in this regard, and several communications appeared 
iii the columns of the paper on the questions, pro and 
con, of the service of " Protestant nuns" in the pro- 
. jected church hospital. In the mind of the founder of 
both institutions, there was never any doubt of the 
result; but with his usual wisdom and prudence, he 
gave fair play to differing opinions on the subject. 

From the beginning of the church, the first Sister, 
with an associate or two, informally connected with 
her, had done true Sisters' work in the parish. In 
1852 the community was regularly organized as the 
Sisterhood of the Holy Communion. Principles of as- 
isociation were formulated, and a body of tried rules 
adopted. 

A pamphlet, written by the first Sister, and edited 
by Dr. Muhlenberg, was at the same time put in circu- 
lation, in the hope of disarming fears, and of making 
the association better understood. A revised edition 



252 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

of that little work, republished at the desire of one of 
the bishops* of the church, was afterwards more widely 
disseminated, and is reputed to have done its part 
in establishing confidence in such associations. In 
Dr. Muhlenberg's Introduction to this work, entitled 
" Thoughts on Evangelical Sisterhoods," f are some 
golden words which the popularity and present ten- 
dency of such communities amongst us make it desir- 
able to preserve ; and this the more, it will be conceded, 
in that he was the first to introduce Sisterhoods in the 
Protestant Episcopal Church. The following extracts 
are from the Introduction alluded to: 

u At once, then, let it be said, that while we do not 
underrate the good that is done by such orders as the 
Sisters of Charity in the Roman Communion, we desire 
to attempt no copying of them among ourselves. They 
are essentially Roman. To say nothing of their cor- 
ruptions and errors of faith, their perpetual vows, their 
constrained celibacy, their unreserved submission to 
ecclesiastical rule, their subjection of the conscience to 
priestly guidance, their onerous rounds of ceremonies 
and devotions, the whole tenor of their exterior relig- 
ious life make them a homogeneous part of the sys- 
tem of that Church. They could exist nowhere else. 
There can be no imitations of them in a Protestant 
Church.} 

* Bishop Alonzo Potter, of Pennsylvania. 
t T. Whittaker, No. 2 Bible House. 

% "Some of the Anglican Sisterhoods strike us as imitations. They 
are not genuine productions of Evangelical Charity in its Protestant 



EVANGELICAL SISTERHOODS. 253 

"A Sisterhood (the appellation is too good to be giv- 
en up), as here contended for, is a very simple thing. 
It is a community of Christian women, devoted to 
works of charity, as the service of their lives, or of a 
certain portion of them. For the most part, they form 
a household of themselves; that being necessary in or- 
der to their mutual sympathy and encouragement, and 
to their greater unity and efficiency in action. They 
are held together by identity of purpose, and accord- 
ance of will and feeling. Their one bond of union 
is simply the 'Love of Christ constraining them.' As 
long as that continues to be a constraining motive, cor- 
dially uniting the members, their society will last. In 
proportion as that languishes and fails, it will decline 
and dissolve of its own accord. In this respect, as well 
as in so many others, it differs from any of the religious 
orders of the Roman Church. To whatever extent these 
latter are actuated by the genuine life of true charity, 
yet they have all another and independent life, derived 
from the system of which they are a component part, 
and which may be called their ecclesiastical life. Hence 
they may continue to exist, in virtue of the latter, while 
the former is no more. Though their proper vitality be 
gone, the force of the church still acts upon them, im- 
pelling them on and keeping them in action. They 
may be in a state of moral apostasy — personal piety and 
virtue may be rare, or be entirely extinct in them; 

simplicity. They have a foreign garb, indicative of a foreign taste. 
Pastor Fleidner's deaconesses are more to our mind." Original note, 
1852. 



254 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

abuses and corruptions may be multiplying, neverthe- 
less they live and prosper in their own way. They 
have lost none of their mere ecclesiastical vitality. 
They retain the imparted energy of "the church.* 
Protestantism has no such power. That belongs to a 
consolidated church. Protestantism possesses not the 
art of keeping dead things alive. Orders of charity, 
should they come to pass among us, will be such really 
and actually as long as they last, They may not last 
long, but they will be what they profess to be as long 
as they do last. They will not survive their true and 
proper existence; they will derive no after being, no 
perfunctory and mechanical life from the church. As 
the spontaneous product of charity, they will thrive 
just as the spirit of charity continues to be their 
indwelling spirit, Their corruption will lead to their 
dissolution. Having only one life, when they are 
dead, they will die. Nothing then, is to be feared 
from a truly Evangelical Sisterhood. When it degen- 
erates it will come to an end. It depends for its 
continuance wholly upon the continuance of the zeal 
which called it into being. The uniting principle 
among its members, is their common affection for the 
object which has brought them together, and which, 
by giving intenseness to their mutual affection as Sis- 
ters in Christ, tends to strengthen and confirm their 
social existence; but there is no constraint from with- 
out on the part of the church, not any from within in 
the form of religious vows, or promises to one another 
to insure their perpetuity as a body, or to interfere with 



NOT ECCLESIASTICAL ORGANIZATIONS. 255 

their freedom of conscience as individuals. While one 
in feeling and action, each yet 'stands fast in the 
liberty wherewith Christ has made us free. Xot that 
they hold themselves ever ready to adjourn, or that 
they would be satisfied with an ephemeral existence. 
Each and all feel that they have entered upon a sacred 
service, which they are at liberty to quit, only at the 
demand of duty elsewhere. They naturally cherish 
their union. They look forward to its permanence in 
themselves, and their successors, who may be called 
thereto. How it may be they do not know. They walk 
by faith. As they trust their society has come to pass 
in the gracious ordering of God, so they believe it will 
be upheld by him, as long as he has work for them to 
do, and it pleases him to give them grace to do it. 
Handmaidens of the Lord, waiting upon his good pleas- 
ure, they are not anxious for the future, content to leave 
it in his hands." 

As regarded any central organization, Dr. Muhlen- 
berg said: "It is wholly undesirable. We want no 
such combination, no wide-spread of charity, under one 
head, or church control — neither, for my part, would I 
have these associations to be bodies corporate in law, or 
in any way capable of holding property in their own 
right. Should they have dwelling-houses, as places of 
retirement when disabled, or in their old age, these, 
with moderate endowments, might be held for them by 
trustees, but nothing further. As simple evangelical 
associations, not ecclesiastical organizations, the less 
they have of the means of worldly influence the better. 



256 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

Let this be understood, and any fears or jealousies of a 
woman-power in the church, which, in fact, would be 
a priestly power, will have no place. The dread of 
convents, abbesses, lady-superiors, and every thing of 
that sort, will vanish." 

In the constitution of the Sisterhood of the Holy 
Communion, the term ' First ' heretofore applied to the 
original Sister, as first in the order of time, became 
the authorized title of the head or principal of the 
association, and was chosen as more simple, and less- 
assuming, than others now in vogue for the directing 
Sister. 

St. Luke's Hospital quietly made its way into the 
hearts of Christian people generally, from the date of 
the first appeal of the Board of Managers for one hun- 
dred thousand dollars. The contributions, mainly from 
the rich, but occasionally from very opposite sources, 
came in encouragingly. The wealthy gave of their 
abundance, and some poor people of their penury. A 
young physician consecrated his opening practice by 
sending part of his first fee to Dr. Muhlenberg, for St. 
Luke's; and a testamentary bequest of ten thousand 
dollars, from Dr. Wiley of the United States navy, was 
received before even the site was fully determined 
upon. Within a year, the proposed amount was se- 
cured; but the last five thousand, given especially to 
complete the hundred thousand, was contributed on 
condition that fifty thousand more should be raised. 

It took proportionally longer to get this additional 
amount, and confiictino; circumstances in connection 



THE HOSPITAL SITE. 257 

with a site caused considerable delay. Almost from 
the time of St. Luke's incorporation, the ground on 
which it stands was regarded as well adapted for the 
purpose, and, moreover, very desirable, inasmuch as it 
could be obtained without an outlay of money. The 
corporation of the city, for certain considerations on 
the part of Trinity Church, had made a grant to the 
Church of St. George the Martyr, of which the Rev. 
Moses Marcus was rector, of twenty-four lots of ground, 
on the condition that there should be erected thereon a 
hospital and free chapel for British emigrants, within 
three years from the date of the grant. That condition 
not having been met, and the property in consequence 
likely to revert to the city, the Managers of St. Luke's 
exerted themselves with the city corporation, and ob- 
tained an extension of another three years. They then 
entered into negotiations with the Church of St. George 
the Martyr, which issued in the release of the ground 
to the corporation of St. Luke's, on certain conditions 
in regard to the support of patients, satisfactory to 
both parties. * But the land held by the Church of 
St. George the Martyr was insufficient in extent, for 
such a hospital as was now proposed, and the eligibil- 
ity of other sites in different quarters of the city was 
actively discussed. 

Dr. Muhlenberg fell in with the action of the Board 
in this particular, though without any idea of the insti- 
tution standing anywhere else than where it does. For, 

* " Sketch of Origin and Progress of St. Luke's Hospital." W. A. M. 
1859. 

17 



258 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

while these questions were pending, after a manner of 
his own, he took possession of the ground. It was 
thus: One afternoon in the spring of 1853, without any 
explanation of his purpose, he proposed to some friends 
much interested in the hospital project, to take a drive 
up town. Stopping at the corner of Fifty-fourth Street 
and Fifth Avenue, the party alighted, and followed to 
the middle of the present Hospital site, which then 
presented only a dreary, weed-covered area, with two 
gaunt, weather-beaten oak-trees looming up to the sky. 
He took his companions entirely by surprise, when, 
after a moment of silence, he uncovered his head, and 
saying, "Now we will consecrate this place for St. 
Luke's Hospital," breathed a fervent prayer for the 
divine blessing upon what he knew, with the " intu- 
ition that was foresight,'' would come to pass there and 
nowhere else. 

Eventually, the Managers extended this site to suit 
their object, by the purchase of eight lots, adjoining 
the St. George Martyr grant, to the west; making thir- 
ty-two city lots the entire extent of the ground. The 
matter of locality thus settled, there would yet elapse 
considerable time before any building was in readiness, 
and Dr. Muhlenberg and his Sister workers could not 
wait the tardy establishment of St. Luke's, to make 
•some provision for the sick, now constantly thrust 
upon their notice, — poor, pious, incurable sufferers, 
with not so much as a decent* attic or basement to 
die in. Three such, in quick succession, claimed suc- 
cor. "What can we do?" he anxiously asked the 



ST. LUKE'S IN A REAR-TENEMENT 259 

Sisters. There was no vacant room in the house 
they occupied, though they had now and again shel- 
tered a sick person there. "We must hire a place as 
near us as we can, and take them in," was the con- 
clusion; to which Dr. Muhlenberg joyfully assented. 
lie always obtained money for the Sisters' charities, 
so they had not any disheartening question of means 
to embarrass them, and a little hospital was forth- 
with improvised in the rear-tenement of an alley, very 
near their own dwelling. Two or three rooms of a 
small house were all that was available, and here, in 
1853, St. Luke's was virtually begun. The Sisters pre- 
pared the food of these poor patients in their own 
kitchen, and took turns in ministering personally to 
them. They did not at first escape a little persecution 
from their fellow-tenants of the alley, who threatened 
to prosecute them for introducing a " catching disease," 
and had to be indebted to a poor good woman, whom 
they had taken care of, for mediating with her rough 
neighbors in their behalf. So much for the embryo St. 
Luke's, as it really proved, for there was no break in 
the direct successi m of patients. These in the rear- 
tenement having b:en later transferred to the Infirmary 
of the Church of the Holy Communion, and that insti- 
tution in due time supplying the first patients of the 
full-grown Hospital. 



CHAPTER XVI. 

1853-1855. 

Memorial to the House of Bishops. — Papers on the Memorial. — A Proper 
Radicalism. — Dr. Harwood on Origin of Memorial. — Reminiscences by 
Dr. E. A. Washburn. — Not Daunted by Unsuccess. — Ceaseless Efforts 
for Unity. — A Favor to the Sisterhood. — Infirmary of Church of the 
Holy Communion. — Happy Sendee. — Quarantined. — The Pastor's Vis- 
its. — Ideal of a Sister of Charity. — Corner-Stone of St. Luke's Hospital 
Laid. — Location. — General Plan of Building. — A Street Incident. — Bear- 
ing Injuries. 

The Evangelical Catholic terminated its course within 
a little over two years. It had fulfilled its mission, 
and then gave place to, or rather culminated in, what 
is called "the Memorial Movement." 

This Memorial, originating with Dr. Muhlenberg, 
was a high and noble venture for the emancipation of 
the church as to all that holds her back from the full 
exercise of her great mission to mankind. It was pre- 
sented to the House of Bishops, as a council of the Prot- 
estant Episcopate, by Dr. Muhlenberg, and others of 
the clergy in sympathy with him. Its central thought 
was the same as that, many years back, of " Hints on 
Catholic Union, " viz., the prayer of our Divine Lord: 
"That they all may be one, as thou Father art in me, 
and I in thee, that they may be one in us." The move- 
ment had a twofold bearing: "one, on the Episcopal 



RADICALISM, 261 

Church, as such; the other, which was its ultimate 
scope, on that church considered in its essential ele- 
ments, as the norm of a broader and more Catholic 
system." 

Both as to its formative idea, and its widest develop- 
ment, the Memorial was powerfully and exhaustively 
set forth by Dr. Muhlenberg, in a succession of pam- 
phlets which collectively make the chief bulk of an 
octavo volume of some five hundred pages. Apart 
from their direct object, these papers are worth pe- 
rusal for their beauty and fervor of utterance, their 
luminous argument, their pertinent and instructive 
illustrations, and, together with their boldness, the ab- 
sence of any acrimony, and the gentle and loving spirit, 
which, like a golden cord running through them, binds 
all together as a pure offering on the sacred altar of 
Christian Unity. 

The following, from one of those expository pam- 
phlets, rings out the essential argument of the whole. 
"Radicalism" some had called it. "Radicalism it is — 
literally," said Dr. Muhlenberg, "and of the right kind. 
It is going to the roots of things; and there verily do 
we need to go. Times do come when men must throw 
themselves boldly on first principles, when they must 
fearlessly carry them out and let them have their issues, 
despite the forms and conventionalities that have been 
planted about them, and have been fastened upon them, 
albeit for their protection. For such radicalism the 
time has come, such going to the root of the matter — 
aye, even to the 'Root axd offspring of David.' It is 



262 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

time that we looked to our planting there. It is time 
we turned to the Foundation, to the ' Corner-stone in 
Zion, Elect and Precious,' and called men to rally there. 
Nowhere else will they rally. The time has gone by for 
platforms and systems to be rallying ground. Change 
is at work on every side. The traditional, the heredi- 
tary, the venerable in the outworks of religion, have 
lost their hold on the age; to none of them, however 
we may choose to bind ourselves, may we hope to bind 
others, to gather force for withstanding the revolutions 
of the times. If the Faith itself is to be preserved 
' whole and undefiled,' nothing remains to us, but to 
stand firm to it, to see it distinctly, to turn men's eyes 
to it, over and above all the accessories and appendages 
which we are so prone to confound with it, and on 
which Ave divide our strength. Allegiance to the Lord 
Jesus Christ — this is the watchword now to be heard 
above all the signals of parties, sects, and churches. 
This alone will pierce the din and confusion of the 
times, and tell on hearts scattered abroad. The 'Tem- 
ple of the Lord' — 'the Temple of the Lord,' has long 
enough been heard from every petty quarter of Chris- 
tendom. The Lord of the Temple, the Lord of the 
Temple, must now be the cry to gather the people 
of the Lord, to do the work of the Lord, to uprear 
in its living majesty the Temple of the Lord. From 
whom shall the summons come, clear, unmingled with 
any other note, but from the chief ministers of the 
Lord ? By whom, if not by them, shall it be sounded 
forth, apart from the noises and strifes of the syna- 



THE MEMORIAL. 263 

gogue. Shall the synagogue confine their voice ? Shall 
they not stand in the highways and cry aloud? Shall 
they not be prophets? Is not now the word to them 
as of old — ' thou that tellest good tidings to Zion, 
get thee up into the high mountain ; lift up thy voice 
with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the 
cities of Judah, Behold your God!'"* 

The great importance of the movement demands the 
insertion of the original in full. 

"THE MEMORIAL. 

11 To the Bishops of the Protestant Episcopal Church in Council assembled: 

• k Eight Reverend Fathers: — 

"The undersigned, presbyters of the church of which 
yon have the oversight, venture to approach your ven- 
erable body with an expression of sentiment, which 
their estimate of your office in relation to the times 
does not permit them to withhold. In so doing, they 
have confidence in your readiness to appreciate their 
motives and their aims. The actual posture of our 
church with reference to the great moral and social 
necessities of the day, presents to the mind of the 
undersigned a subject of grave and anxious thought. 
Did they suppose that this was confined to themselves, 
they would not feel warranted in submitting it to your 
attention ; but they believe it to be participated in by 
many of their brethren, who may not have seen the 

* "Exposition of Memorial." Ev. Oath. Papers, First Series. 



264 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

expediency of declaring their views, or at least a ma- 
ture season for such a course. 

"The divided and distracted state of our American 
Protestant Christianity, the new and subtle forms of 
unbelief adapting themselves with fatal success to the 
spirit of the age, the consolidated forces of Eomanism 
bearing with renewed skill and activity against the 
Protestant faith, and as more or less the consequence 
of these, the utter ignorance of the Gospel among so 
large a portion of the lower classes of our population, 
making a heathen world in our midst, are among the 
considerations which induce your Memorialists to pre- 
sent the inquiry whether the period has not arrived for 
the adoption of measures, to meet these exigencies of 
the times, more comprehensive than any yet provided 
for by our present ecclesiastical system : in other words, 
whether the Protestant Episcopal Church, with only 
her present canonical means and appliances, her fixed 
and invariable modes of public worship, and her tradi- 
tional customs and usages, is competent to the work of 
preaching and dispensing the Gospel to all sorts and 
conditions of men, and so adequate to do the work of 
the Lord in this land and in this age ? This question, 
your petitioners, for their own part, and in consonance 
with many thoughtful minds among us, believe must 
be answered in the negative. Their Memorial proceeds 
on the assumption that our church, confined to the ex- 
ercise of her present system, is not sufficient to the 
great purposes above mentioned — that a wider door 
must be opened for admission to the Gospel ministry 



THE MEMORIAL. 265 

than that through which her candidates for holy orders 
are now obliged to enter. Besides such candidates 
among her own members, it is believed that men can 
be found among the other bodies of Christians around 
us, who would gladly receive ordination at your hands, 
could they obtain it without that entire surrender which 
would now be required of them, of all the liberty in 
public worship to which they have been accustomed — ■ 
men who could not bring themselves to conform in all 
particulars to our prescriptions and customs, but yet 
sound in the faith, and who, having the gifts of 
preachers and pastors, would be able ministers of the 
New Testament. 

"With deference it is asked, ought such an acces- 
sion to your means, in executing your high commis- 
sion, ' Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to 
every creature,' to be refused, for the sake of conform- 
ity in matters recognized in the Preface to the Booh 
of Common Prayer as inessentials ? Dare we pray the 
Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers into the 
harvest, while we reject all laborers but those of one 
peculiar type ? The extension of orders to the class of 
men contemplated (with whatever safeguards, not in- 
fringing on evangelical freedom, which your wisdom 
might deem expedient) appears to your petitioners to 
be a subject supremely worthy of your deliberations. 

" In addition to the prospect of the immediate good 
which would thus be opened, an important step 
would be taken towards the effecting of a Church 
unity in the Protestant Christendom of our land 



266 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

To become a central bond of union among Chris- 
tians, who, though differing in name, yet hold to 
the one Faith, the one Lord, and the one Baptism, 
and who need only such a bond to be drawn together 
in closer and more primitive fellowship, is here be- 
lieved to be the peculiar province and high privilege 
of your venerable body as a College of Catholic and 
Apostolic Bishops as such. 

"This leads your petitioners to declare the ultimate 
design of their Memorial — which is to submit the prac- 
ticability, under your auspices, of some ecclesiastical 
system, broader and more comprehensive than that 
which you now administer, surrounding and including 
the Protestant Episcopal Church as it now is, leaving 
that church untouched, identical with that church in 
all its great principles, yet providing for as much free- 
dom in opinion, discipline, and worship, as is com- 
patible with the essential faith and order of the Gos- 
pel. To define and act upon such a system, it is 
believed, must sooner or later be the work of an 
American Catholic Episcopate. 

"In justice to themselves on this occasion, your 
Memorialists beg leave to remark that, although aware 
that the foregoing views are not confined to their own 
small number, they have no reason to suppose that 
any other parties contemplate a public expression of 
them, like the present. Having therefore undertaken 
it, they trust that they have not laid themselves open 
to the charge of unwarranted intrusion. They find 
their warrant in the prayer now offered up by all our 



THE COMMISSION. 267 

congregations, 'That the comfortable Gospel of Christ 
may be truly preached, truly received, and truly fol- 
lowed, in all places, to the breaking down of the king- 
dom of Sin, Satan, and Death.' 

u Convinced that, for the attainment of these blessed 
ends, there must be some greater concert of action 
among Protestant Christians than any which yet ex- 
ists, and believing that with you, Eight Eeverend 
Fathers, it rests to take the first measures tending 
thereto, your petitioners could not do less than hum- 
bly submit their Memorial to such consideration as in 
your wisdom you may see fit to give it. Praying that 
it may not be dismissed without reference to a Com- 
mission, and assuring you, Eight Eeverend Fathers, of 
our dutiful veneration and esteem, 

" We are, Most respectfully, 

"Your Brethren and Servants in the Gospel of Christ." 

Here followed the signatures of a number of presby- 
ters from different dioceses. The most of them were 
appended immediately to the Memorial, and the others 
to a postscript in wdiich the assent to the same is 
qualified. 

The prayer of the Memorialists was granted by the 
appointment of the Commission which they asked. It 
consisted of Bishops Otey, Doane, Alonzo Potter, Bur- 
gess, Williams, and Wainwright. 

On the fly-leaf of the Memorial, preceding the docu- 
ment, was the following from the Preface to the Booh of 
Common Prayer: " It is a most invaluable part of that 



268 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

blessed liberty toherewith Christ hath made us free that 
in his worship, different forms and usages may with- 
out offence be allowed, provided the substance of the 
faith be kept entire; and that, in every church, what 
can not be clearly determined to belong to Doctrine 
must be referred to Discipline; and therefore, by com- 
mon consent and authority, may be altered, abridged, 
enlarged, amended, or otherwise disposed of, as may 
seem most convenient for the edification of the peo- 
ple, ' according to the various exigencies of times and 
occasions.'" 

The Eev. Dr. Harwood, mentioned in a previous 
chapter as associated with Dr. Muhlenberg in the con- 
duct of the Evangelical Catholic, and from that circum- 
stance more intimately acquainted than any other cler- 
gyman of the time with the circumstances under which 
the Memorial originated, thus speaks, both of the be- 
ginning of the movement and of what it achieved: 

"'What do we mean?' Dr. Muhlenberg would ask. 
'We call ourselves Catholics? What are we doing 
for the people — for our brothers and sisters who never 
hear the Gospel preached ; who will not come near our 
churches; who claim that the church is only for the 
rich?. . . . Our position is alike absurd and un- 
christian.' Then, moreover, he became more and more 
painfully impressed with the isolation of the Protes- 
tant Episcopal Church, and he felt that effort should 
be made to bring the Christians of this land into some- 
thing like fellowship, on the basis of a common his- 
toric faith, and while he was giving much thought 



DECLARATION OF THE BISHOPS. 269 

and time to the subject, he suddenly, with that impul- 
sive energy which comes like an inspiration to a man 
of genius, said to a friend : ' Let us prepare a Memorial 
upon this to the House of Bishops, and if we can get 
no one to sign it, we will sign it ourselves, and send 
it in.' This is the origin of the Memorial sent to 
the House of Bishops in October 1853, and which is 
known, and will continue to be known, as the 'Me- 
morial Movement/ The Memorial was prepared and 
met with ready approval. Only a few were asked to 
sign it. Scarcely any refusals were met with, and 
in due time it was presented to the House of Bishops 
where it was received with many expressions of gen- 
erous sympathy. A Committeee of the Bishops was 
appointed to consider the subject, to receive other 
papers that might be presented, and to report at the 
next meeting of the Convention. . . . The subject 
awakened immediate and general interest. It was 
discussed in all our church papers, in tracts and 
essays, which were read before the Committee of 
Bishops. . . . Dr. Muhlenberg's enthusiasm never 
for a moment abated; and when the argument was 
exhausted, we awaited with some impatience the meet- 
ing of the General Committee in 1856. At that Con- 
vention the House of Bishops took action: and their 
somewhat famous declaration was passed. This dec- 
laration expressed the opinion of the bishops to this 
effect, that 'the order of Morning Prayer, the Litany, 
and the Communion Service, being three separate 
offices, may, as in former times, be used separately, 



270 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

under the advice of the bishop of the diocese.' 'That, 
on special occasions, or at extraordinary services not 
otherwise provided for, ministers may, at their dis- 
cretion, use such parts of the Book of Common Prayer, 
or such lesson or lessons from Holy Scripture as shall, 
m their judgment, tend most to edification.' 

"The declaration proceeded to give authority to the 
bishops to prepare services suitable for congregations 
not acquainted with, nor accustomed to, the use of the 
Book of Common Prayer, and lastly a Commission on 
Church Unity was appointed, 'as an organ of commu- 
nication or conference with such Christian bodies or 
individuals as may desire it.' All authority to mature 
plans of union with other ' Christian bodies ' was at 
the same time disavowed. . . . The Commission on 
Church Unity did not achieve any permanent results; 
but their declaration respecting the services, in due 
time, acquired the force of law, and the law is still 
upon the statute-book of the church. Dr. Muhlenberg 
had every reason to congratulate himself and to be 
congratulated upon the success of the Memorial. True, 
he could not create a spirit against the ecclesiastical 
spirit of our time and church, but to him more, far 
more, than to any one man, we are indebted for a sense 
of larger liberty in the use of the Book of Common 
Piayer, for the right to separate the separate portions 
of the service, and for the readiness with which special 
services for special occasions are prepared and made 
use of. He has called into life a larger liturgical spirit 
and a more generous latitude than had hitherto been 



REMINISCENCES. 271 

known in our day and country. Kesults are rarely 
commensurate with hopes. There is always some dis- 
appointment, some regret at the scanty returns of gen- 
erous ventures. The appeal to the bishops and to the 
church, made by Dr. Muhlenberg in 1853, has never 
been forgotten, however, and I do not exaggerate when 
I say that, in this respect, he has left the impress of 
his Christian wisdom upon our entire church."* 

The following reminiscences, and reflections, touch- 
ing the Memorial, by the Eev. Dr. E. A. Washburn, 
are of interest here: 

"It was then" (at the date of the Memorial), Dr. 
W. writes, " that I first knew him personally, and 
never can I forget the impression he left on me. He 
was at his ripest age, the glow of youth had passed 
into a large wisdom, but there was child-like faith, 
the intuition of the heart, the broken torrent of elo- 
quent speech, the grand Catholic aspiration. 1 loved 
him from that hour, and if I say what any think too 
enthusiastic, I can only reply that they did not know 
him. Every conversation on the Memorial comes back 
to me. It was his conviction that our church needed 
to act, with all its capabilities, in the vast growing 
field of missions, and of ministries for all conditions 
of men. But, more than this, he felt that the best way 
of reconciliation for our strifes was larger room for real 
work. We were now in the temporary lull of the 
Oxford excitement, when its greatest leaders had re- 

* From an address before an Association of Clergymen of which 
Br. Muhlenberg was, at the time of his death, the senior member. 



272 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

treated to Rome, before the next Ritualistic stage had 
begun, and he saw, with a prophetic eye, what others 
saw too late, ten years afterwards. High and Low 
parties were wasting their strength in quarrel over 
rubrics. The strife in his view was imbittered, be- 
cause both were hemmed within the small arena of 
an inflexible system. 

"The church needed unity in action, it must, instead 
of wrangling over theories of a Catholic past, show its 
catholicity in the time and conditions God had allotted 
it. In this thought he planned his Memorial. There 
was no loose freedom in it, but a thorough grasp 
of liturgical principles and a wise conservatism. Xo 
changes were to be made in the Prayer Book, no conflict- 
ing theories of revision were to scare the timid; but a 
liberty, within due bounds, was to be allowed in the use 
of the services. The clear, admirable papers from his 
own hand secured the sympathy of many of the clergy, 
and the favorable hearing of the bishops. But the 
party fears on either hand, the jealousy of the Episco- 
pal authority, by the Lower House, and the great power 
of inertia in the body, strangled a plan as wise as it was 

generous We have learned the worth of 

our conservatism since. I dare hazard the judgment 
that had the Memorial prevailed, we should have been 
spared the two worst misfortunes since befallen us. No 
legislation can rid us of all our wrongs-headed parti 
sans. But the conscientious men of Ritualistic type, 
instead of defying law for chasubles and candles, would 
have thrown their devotion into noble work: and the 



WHAT WAS GAINED. 273 

conscientious men who have only added another Ke- 
formecl Episcopal fragment to the atoms floating in 
Christian space, would have remained content with 
just freedom. A generation hence will wonder at 
the policy called principle; nay, at this very hour, a 
large part of the freedom which the Memorial asked 
is virtually gained."* 

The unsuccess of the Memorial Movement, as to its 
intrinsic aim, in nowise checked Dr. Muhlenberg's en 
deavors, in other ways, towards what he believed to be 
the hope of the church. He ceased to expect much 
from Episcopal legislation, yet never remitted his efforts 
for Christian unity. Glancing, for the coherence of the 
subject, beyond the period which this chapter comprises, 
we find him more than ten years later, ardently at- 
tempting the formation, among some brother clergy- 
men, of an Evangelical and Catholic Union; and be- 
fore this he had purchased some lots on the east side 
of the city, purposing to erect there, as a realization, 
on his own part, of the idea of Christian fellowship, a 
"Church of the Testimony of Jesus," with a St. John's 
House or Inn of Charity appended — a thought subse- 
quently abandoned for the grander embodiment of the 
same principles in his St. Johnland. 

He had an* intense conviction of the possibilities of 
the Episcopal Church, rightly applied, to meet the de- 
mands of the times as to Christian freedom and fellow- 
ship; and to the last of his life, "That they all may be 

* From a sermon after Dr. Muhlenberg's decease. 
18 



274 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

one," was his watchword and aspiration, the spirit of 
his daily actions, and his theme with any who would 
listen to him, whether in private or public. If he never 
presented literally, a second Memorial to the House of 
Bishops, he did virtually, with powerful and eloquent 
appeal, to the church at large, through his great works 
of heaven-born charity, and the pure catholic spirit 
with which he infused every one of them. 

Once, indeed, and with the expiring forces of his life 
■ — for he was just entering his seventy-seventh year — he 
drafted, and with his own hand wrote out a monograph 
on the Potentiality of the English Bishops, of which 
more particular mention will be found later. He never 
rested the theme, but constantly to his life's end, felt, ut- 
tered, acted it, as under prophetic inspiration. Proph- 
ets are greater after death than in life, being rarely 
duly esteemed until time and circumstances begin to 
verify their words; and it may be that it is for the 
church of the future to do full justice to the Memorial 
and its author in relation to it. 

A signal favor was bestowed upon the Sisterhood of 
the Holy Communion, in the year of the Memorial 
(1853), in the foundation of a beautiful house, for their 
especial use, the gift of Mr. and Mrs. John H. Swift, — 
valued and well-beloved members of the congregation, 
— as a memorial of their only daughter, Virginia She 
was a sweet little girl, and greatly attached to the 
first Sister, in whose arms she died, on the evening 
of the Epiphany, 1850. This house is of fine brown- 
stone, rubied, and in architecture like that of the 



THE SISTERS' HOUSE. 275 

church, which it joins within one enclosure. This, 
and many accompanying kindnesses on the part of 
its founders, should be especially remembered to the 
credit of their faith and generosity, at a time when 
prejudice was strong against such communities, and 
the veiy name of " Sister" a reproach. 

Early the following year, the Sisters took possession 
of their home, and then had the happiness of removing 
their surviving tenement-house patients into the house 
they had vacated, which adjoined their own, and was 
made to communicate directly with it. This building 
had been suitably equipped for the accommodation of 
eighteen patients, with rooms on the ground floor for 
the Sisters'- School, composed of the poorer children of 
the parish. The Church Dispensary was carried on 
under their own roof. 

During the four years that were yet to elapse before 
St. Luke's should be ready for use, something over two 
hundred patients were nursed in this Infirmary of the 
Holy Communion. The larger number were incura- 
bles, but not nearly all. The Sisters cared for their 
charge in the main, without any hired assistance, even 
to laying them out with their own hands, in death, and 
a very blessed service they found it. The memory of 
those days of their "first love" was always very pre- 
cious to this early band of volunteer workers, and the 
Infirmary was, further, a valuable seminary for the fu- 
ture St. Luke's. 

Dr. Muhlenberg took the greatest pleasure in the 
work, throwing his warm Christian love and sympathy 



276 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

into every part of it. At one time a woman was ad* 
mitted, whose malady, unexpectedly proved to be 
small-pox, and the disease spread; there were some 
five or six cases in all. The Sisters were quarantined 
for many days, by the fears of the congregation. They 
were debarred attendance at church, and for the most 
part excluded from all outside communication, save with 
their pastor. No such considerations could deter him 
from constant intercourse as well with the sick as with 
their Sister nurses ; and his visits were like sunshine in 
the inevitable gloom of the situation. On one of these 
occasions, he found a young probationary Sister, rock- 
ing, as he lay wrapped in a blanket within her arms, 
a little boy, very ill with the loathsome disease. She 
was singing a hymn for him, and the poor child smiled 
as he looked up to her face and forgot his pain and 
restlessness. Dr. Muhlenberg came down from the 
ward enamored of the picture — "The very ideal of a 
Sister of Charity." It is comfortable to add, that 
the Sisters themselves passed through the exposure 
unharmed. 

There were extremely interesting religious services 
in that little Infirmary : many baptisms, more than one 
confirmation, and frequent communions. These, in 
connection with the opportunities of unobtrusive per- 
sonal service afforded, its freedom from the annoyances 
of hired employees and other disturbing elements in- 
separable from larger hospitals, were greatly enjoyed 
by the Sisters and so frequently the subject of con- 
gratulation that Dr. Muhlenberg often said to them, 



THE CORNER-STONE LAID. 217 

"Ah, you will find nothing like this in St. Luke's." 
Nor did they. Admirable and beautiful as is that 
Institution. 

The corner-stone of the Hospital was laid by Bishop 
Wainwright, May 6th, 1854. In some verses of a 
hymn written for the occasion, Dr. Muhlenberg thus 
expressed the spirit of the Foundation : 



"The lepers cleansed, the palsied healed, 
Kestored the manned, the halt, the blind, 
Thy Gospel thus of old revealed, 
A Gospel still, thy poor shall find. 

"Thy church with sympathizing heart 
For every form of human ill, 
Shall yet do all the brother's part, 
Shall yet thy charge of love fulfil." 

The site is upon the Fifth Avenue, between Fifty- 
fourth and Fifty-fifth Streets, the plot being two hun- 
dred feet by four hundred in length. 

The architect was Mr. John W. Eitch. In making 
the plan of the house, he was directed to start with 
that which had been already determined upon, viz., a 
central Chapel immediately communicating with the 
wards. He worked this admirably into his design, 
and by corridors running lengthwise outside the wards, 
and connecting with the Chapel, made the latter highly 
conducive to the ventilation of the building. With 
its ample windows, it became a reservoir of fresh air 
flowing into the w^ards, and by means of the double 



278 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG 

stairways, which, connect all the stories permeating the 
whole house. The building occupies the northern part 
of the plot, the principal front being on Fifty-fourth 
Street. It thus faces the south, extending longitudi- 
nally from east to west two hundred and eighty feet. 

The general plan of the building is a narrow par- 
allelogram, with a wing at each end, and the central 
Chapel flanked with towers. The elevations of the 
several fronts, even to the members of the cornices, 
are of square brick, the architect being required to 
build at the smallest expense consistently with dura- 
bility and a becoming appearance. 

"The plan of the building," said Dr. Muhlenberg, 
" I was desirous should provide rooms for the good 
women, the Sisters, who, under the Pastor and Super- 
intendent, it was tacitly understood were to have 
charge of the sick. On mentioning this to one or 
two of my most intimate friends in the Board, they 
thought it decidedly inexpedient, not so much from 
any feeling of their own, as from existing prejudices, 
which were so strong, that they feared any provision 
for 'nuns,' as they would be called, would seriously 
damage the whole enterprise. The Clerical Board of 
the Hospital made objections on the same score, and 
required that nothing should be done in regard to it 
without their unanimous consent. But a better under- 
standing soon came about, and by the time the Hos- 
pital was opened, fears of ' Puseyite Sisters,' no longer 
came in the way of an agency which in its domestic and 
Christian administration soon proved itself invaluable." 



THE SPILT WATER. 279 

As in the building of the Church of the Holy Com- 
munion, so here with the Hospital, the main design was 
the architect's; but Dr. Muhlenberg's taste and judg- 
ment were continually brought to bear upon the 
details; now, it may be, arching an ugly square 
door or window, or again ingeniously converting 
some awkward and useless appendage into a shapely 
convenience. 

His out-of-door exercise, as the walls rose above the 
foundation, was very frequently in the direction of the 
Hospital. In one of his many walks through Fifty- 
fourth Street, a little incident occurred that illuminates 
an especial grace of his character. As he passed along 
the unpaved street, he accidentally overset, stumbling 
as he did so, a pail of water which was left in the foot- 
path. ' Instantly, an ill-looking boy, who had been 
playing with some others in the road, rushed up, shout- 
ing, ' I say, old man, what did you do that for ? That 
water had to be fetched, I tell yer." " Why did you 
leave your pail so dangerously in the path?" said the 
Doctors companion, with some indignation. "And how 
dare you speak so rudely to the gentleman ? " " Well ! 
Well! Never mind," Dr. Muhlenberg replied. "It is 
a pity the water is spilt. Will sixpence pay for getting 
some more, my boy?" handing the coin as he spoke. 
The young rough took the money with a gruff, " s'pose 
so," and ran off, hugging himself, no doubt, at his good 
bargain, while the man of God, without comment kept 
on his way. 

The foregoing is a slight and trivial illustration of 



280 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG, 

the spirit which ruled in him, habitually, as to the en- 
durance of an injury. He could always accept kindly 
and gently a wrong that involved nothing beyond his 
personal discomfort or loss; frequently saying to those 
anxious for his interest, u Don't trouble — only let us 
do right ! The great thing is to do right ! " In a 
transaction, some years later, whereby he was unjustly 
deprived of a considerable amount of money, he ex- 
pressed so much satisfaction at the peaceableness of 
the arbitrament — having feared a dispute — and gave 
God thanks so heartily, that it might have been sup- 
posed he was as much a gainer in the business, as he 
was actually a loser. 

Yet no one looking on would have said there was 
weakness in this. It was evidently, and affectingly, 
the Christian in his strength, nobly acting out the 
principle of the command: "If any man take away 
thy coat, let him have thy cloak also." 



CHAPTER XVII. 

1855-1856. 

A. Summer in Europe. — St. Bartholomew's Hospital. — St. Barnabas, Pim- 
lico. — An Hour with Maurice. — Working Men's Bible Class. — A quiet 
Old Town. — Ely Cathedral. — The House of Peers. — The Lords Spir- 
itual. — Home Thoughts. — Switzerland. — The Silber Horn. — A Sunday 
at Strasburg. — The Lord's Day in Paris. — Refined Godlessness. — Hub- 
ner's Painting. — Delight in his Christmas Gift. — A Re -union. — His 
Sixtieth Birthday. 

With the Memorial and the Hospital building fully 
under way, Dr. Muhlenberg, in the summer of 1855, 
allowed himself the refreshment of another few months 
in Europe. He left in April, and returned at the end 
of the October following. The trip had not the charm 
of novelty and freshness attaching to that of twelve 
years before, but a stay of some weeks in England was 
found very agreeable, especially in its opportunities 
of intercourse with some of the leading minds of the 
day, on subjects of the deepest interest to him. The 
Memorial Movement and the growing interest in Sis- 
terhoods embraced questions for the mother as well 
as the daughter church, and of hospitals, he had in 
London, a noble field of study, no city in the world 
being so largely supplied with the best institutions of 
the kind. Some passages from his frequent letters to 
during this absence will best give the more in- 
teresting particulars of his holiday: 



282 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

". . . . I spent several hours in St. Bartholomew's 
Hospital. One of the chaplains, a most excellent and 
earnest man, accompanied me through every part of it. 
He complained of Dickens, in his otherwise admirable 
description of the institution, ignoring the religious 
provisions of the same; and well might he complain. 
There are four chaplains, two of them in residence 
attending on the sick. Service is read every day in 
each of the wards. Suitable prayers in large print 
on a card are hung over the bed of each patient. Apt 
and consolatory texts of Scripture are painted on the 
walls. All the Sisters but one are communicants of 
the church, and those I spoke to seemed to be good 
women. The Christian character of the place is evi- 
dent at a glance, and if all the chaplains are like the 
one who went about with us, nothing on that score 
is wanting. The most ample space is allowed for the 
beds ; there not being more than twenty-two or twenty- 
four in each ward, which is divided into two compart- 
ments, leaving to each ten or twelve patients, in a 
room some forty feet long by twenty-five in width. 
Each ward has the service of four nurses including 
the Sister. The atmosphere was as fresh as in our 
little Infirmary, and the cleanliness everywhere is beau- 
tiful. If the other hospitals of London are in like 
condition, and I am told they are, London has more 
to boast of than I imagined." * 

* St. Bartholomew's is the oldest hospital in the city. It was orig- 
inally founded in 1102. It has at present accommodation for about 
six hundred patients, who are all supported by the funds of the in- 



F. D. MAURICE. 283 

" . . . . Was at a Sunday service at St. Barnabas 
Church, but found no poor people there, the same at 
St. Matthias, another church of the same stamp. Pu- 
seyisin has made no impression upon the masses, nor 
will the church in any of her parties, with her pres- 
ent system. On this subject, which is to me one of 
constant observation and thought, I have more to say 
than I can put in a letter. . . ." 

" I have just come from breakfast with the Bishop of 
Oxford where I met Trench, author of the 'Parables/ 
etc. The Bishop is much interested in the Memorial." 

" . . . . Spent a pleasant hour with Maurice. He 
talks as he writes. They tell me his eyes resemble 
mine, perhaps there is a likeness. I went on Sunday 
evening to his Bible class for working men. He ex- 
plained to them the third chapter of St. John's First 
Epistle, having gone through the Gospel; he evidently 
felt at home in the writings of the beloved disciple, and 
in an easy and familiar manner brought out the sense 
with great beauty. Afterwards, the men asked him 
any questions they pleased, and I was surprised at the 
intelligence and discrimination evinced. Maurice read- 
ily answered them all with the meekness of wisdom. I 
accepted an invitation to breakfast with him next 
morning, when I saw his family, but had not much 
opportunity for conversation. He is a lovely man, and 
just such an one as you would fancy from his books. 

stitution, which, yield a yearly income of £32.000. Its yearly average 
of in-patients is about six thousand, out-patients twenty thousand, 
and casualties forty to fifty thousand. 



284 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

These lines occurred to me, and I sent them to him in 
an envelope anonymously. He can only guess where 
they come from — 

"' Lowliest in heart, 'mid those he taught — 
In mind, with richest treasure fraught, 
His deep and loving thoughts flowed on — 
A John himself, expounding John.'" 

" . . . . Went out to Clewer and had a long talk 
with the 'Sister Superior/ as she is styled. . . . 
They are doing great good, I am sure ; but their relig- 
ious system lacks in the Evangelical element. . . . 
They depend too much upon training. Every penitent, 
unless dismissed, becomes a communicant of course. 
The Sisters go to confession, not however compulsorily. 
They keep the canonical hours, thus meeting for prayer 
six times a day. On the whole it is too much a copy- 
ing of the Roman Sisterhood 

" I have often said I should like to live awhile in one 
of the old towns of England. Well, this town of Ely 
is one in perfection. In our walk of a mile from the 
railroad to the Cathedral we scarce met a dozen per- 
sons, and they evidently showed they were not used to 
the sight of strangers. The low, antique houses, I sup- 
pose were tenanted, but they gave no signs of anima- 
tion, and yet there were shops of all kinds. I won- 
dered who bought at them, until I learned there were 
market days and fairs. . . The huge rich pile of the 
Cathedral stands in solitary grandeur ; of course it was 
that I came to see. It is one of the oldest in the king- 



A QUAINT OLD TOWN. 285 

dom, and in some of its interior architecture the finest. 
It suffered severely from the Cromwell men; but now 
they are restoring it to its original beauty at a great 
outlay of money, at least half a million of dollars, and 
that by voluntary contributions, largely by the dean 
and chapter, who, indeed, from their rich livings, with 
little work, ought to spare liberally for the glory of the 
sanctuary which so munificently supports them. There 
is certainly a great deal of zeal, all over England, in 
church restoration and decoration ; a sign I would hope 
of a genuine revival of religion — but — but — the temple 
at Jerusalem was restored with surpassing grandeur, 
and was still being adorned, when it was about to be 
destroyed, not one stone to be left upon another. With 
all the good that is doing in the Church of England 
I can't help fearing for her, so long as she is so little 
the poor man's church. — But this old town of Ely ! I 
don't think I could be tempted by its sweet quietude to 
stop here for the winter. I fear I might go to sleep, 
despite the choral service of the Cathedral. On the 
whole, I believe I should thrive better, body and soul, 
amid the rattle and clatter of Sixth Avenue and Twen- 
tieth Street 1 — What a nice dinner we had at the silent 
little inn i what a gently treading waitress ! and how 
sweetly the mistress of the house thanked us, as we 
paid our bill ! . . . ." 

He visited all the principal hospitals of London and 
Paris, with his accustomed grasp of their character 
and methods. Through the kindness of the Bishop of 
Oxford, he obtained admission for himself and friend to 



286 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

the House of Peers when the Earl of Shaftesbury made 
one of his characteristic speeches and was replied to by 
the Archbishop of Canterbury and Bishop of London. 
Concluding a description of all this, he adds: 

"The Bishops come forward only when something 
touching their rights or the rights of the church is on 
the carpet. They don't stand up for truth and right- 
eousness in great political questions If 

they keep their seats in the House, they should be 
prophets of the Lord, declaring his will in the high 
places of the land. . . ." 

His first letter from the Continent is mainly sub- 
jective, but highly characteristic. 

". . . . What have I to tell you that will be as 
good as any thing you give me from Home, Sweet 
Home? I am not going to stay the winter — no. Don't 
tell my sister, and 111 confess to you that she knew me 
a little better than I knew myself when she said it 
was impossible I could prolong my stay for a year. 
Occupation — Occupation with which my heart and con- 
science are satisfied is necessary for my happiness. As 
to having nothing to do but to enjoy the scenes of day 
after day, whatever they were, would be intolerable for 
much less time than a twelvemonth. What an episode 
in my life is this strolling about Paris. I hope it is 
not altogether wrong, but I can't help asking myself 
what do I here ? . . . What should I do without 
my New Testament — without the sweet thoughts that 
thence arise in my mind and prompt to blessed com- 



SWITZERLAND. 287 

munion with roy Lord. . . . Never have I remem- 
bered you all more earnestly in my intercession. . ." 
In another place he adds: "My thoughts, when they 
turn homeward, which is not seldom, linger much in 
the scenes of the Sisterhood. Give my love, one by 

one, to the patients of the Infirmary, — little B , I 

see her now, and D , dear boy — I wish I could give 

him a kiss for what you tell me of him. . . . What 
would I give for a sight of you all ! " 

". . . . From my last letter to you from Paris, 
you concluded I was rather dull and tired. I was — of 
that city of vanity and sin. But I have had much en- 
joyment since. How could it be otherwise in Switzer- 
land with its glorious scenery; the beautiful ever re- 
lieving the eye wearied with the grand. It exceeded 
all I had ever pictured to my mind. Chain ouni, Mt. 
Blanc, Mer de Glace, Tete Xoir, Martigny, Grindelwald, 
etc., etc., — in these places we spent two weeks of the 
finest weather imaginable. Xever could the Alps have 
looked more magnificent. The Silber Horn of the Ber- 
nese range — how it charmed my eye! But instead of 
attempting a description, I will read your journal in 
Switzerland when I get home, to see again what I 
have seen. . . . Here at Strasburg, on Sunday we 
found no English service, but I spent the day prof- 
itably, I hope, by the reflections excited in what I 
saw of the Boman worship in the great cathedral, and 
in the Lutheran service of the afternoon. I allowed 
myself to sympathize with the former in feeling and 



288 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

imagination, as a grand superstition enclosing the 
great verities of the Gospel; but the latter, moved my 
heart. The German choral, from a full congregation, 
was just what I wanted to hear, and most devoutly did 
I join in it. It was a missionary occasion, and the 
burden of the speaker was the necessity of the Word 
as well as the Sacraments. The church was adorned 
with pictures, and on the altar before the minister 
stood a small silver crucifix. . . ." 

"'At Paris again?' you exclaim. Even so. How I 
came here again, and so soon, never mind now. It 
would be too long a story and one I would rather tell 
when I get home than fill my sheet with writing it. 
You know what a Sunday in Paris is. As you passed 
through the gay and busy throngs, I dare say your 
reflections were much the same as my own. I am no 
Puritan — I have no affection for a Jewish Sabbath — but 
surely this Sunday here is not 'the day which the Lord 
hath made.' It is not the Lord's day, but, of all the 
seven, the day of the God of this world, devoted to 
his service in all the pomps and vanities with which 
he can be worshipped. And how happy the devotees 
all seem ! — how light-hearted ! — how good-natured and 
kind one to another! No fighting or quarrelling; no 
drunkenness or gross dissipation,- — all, apparently, pure 
mirth and enjoyment. So it is that gocllessness, even 
utter godlessness, need not, necessarily, make men 
coarse and brutal. It may be beautiful, refined, and 
fascinating. Its Elysium may seem indeed the re- 



WINSOME GODLESSNESS. 289 

gions of felicity, to satisfy nature, for the while, at 
least. 

"This is one of the things exemplified in Parisian 
life. We see to what perfection the animal man can 
be carried. What a heaven he can mate for himself — 
What an Eden without God, and where, since there is 
no forbidden fruit, the serpent need never show him- 
self. But ah % without showing himself, how many does 
he beguile ! with what subtlety is his power diffused 
everywhere. Visitors, and those who come to 'reside 
here, how soon are they reconciled to the fair and 
winsome godlessness. Even vice by ' losing all its 
grossness' loses in their eyes 'half its evil.' 'Why,' 
they ask, 'should not Sunday be the happiest day of 
the week, as it is to these merry thousands on the 
Champs Elysees and the Boulevards? Does not God 
delight in the happiness of his creatures ? So you will 
hear Americans talk in the new light with which they 
look back on the days of their ignorance. This is one 
of the enlightening effects of travel. Well would it 
have been for many, had they stayed at home and re- 
mained in their darkness. . . ." 

The last of these letters, mailed immediately before 
his embarkation for home, thus concludes : 

"I look forward to the joyful Sunday, the 28th, in 
the firm hope that God will give it to us, but nothing 
doubting that, if he order otherwise, that will be best 
for us. He is our Father, that is enough. . . . Fare- 
well, until our happy greeting, whether on this or on 
the other side of Jordan. . . ." 
19 



290 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

In the year 1856 lie passed an especially delightful 
Christmas. The festival of the Nativity was always 
greatly enjoyed by him. The contemplation of the 
immeasurable love to the race, of the Incarnation, the 
Divine Son made our Elder Brother, and the univer 
sal peace and good-will thence diffused, enraptured 
his heart. This was manifest in his boyhood. In the 
chapels of the Institute and of St. Paul's College, he 
carried out some of his earliest visions of a right joyous 
celebration of the stupendous fact, and these sweet 
customs, so far as practicable, were in due time trans- 
ferred to the Church of the Holy Communion. 

There, at a service, some time before sunrise, the 
whole congregation assembled to sing the Angels' 
Song and receive their pastor's Christmas greeting. 
The church would be ablaze with light, and the 
fresh evergreens emitted their sweet, resinous breath 
like fragrant incense. "Venite Adoremus" was given 
forth in a concourse of glad strains by choir and 
organ; not in the old Latin, but as rendered into free 
English by Dr. Muhlenberg himself, and incorporated 
with the Doxologies of our Prayer Book and Hymnal, 
thus : 

"Come let us adore him, come bow at his feet; 
Oh ! give him the glory, the praise that is meet; 
Let joyful hosarmas unceasing arise, 
And join the full chorus that gladdens the skies." 

After prayer and praise were over, the pastor would 
come to the front of the chancel, alms-basin in hand- 



A REUNION. 291 

to exchange personal congratulations with his people. 
All who chose, and rarely any omitted the graceful act, 
came forward to shake hands with him, and as they 
wished him Christmas joy, dropped a gift for the poor 
into the alms-basin which he held throughout in his 
left hand. Goodly amounts were thence derived for 
winter comforts for the needier members, many of 
whom deposited their own mite in the plate as they 
came with the rest for a word of blessing — " Coppers," 
Dr. Muhlenberg used to say, " which weigh as gold in 
the balances of the sanctuary." 

On Christmas Day, of the year of which we are 
speaking, after these devotions were over, and before 
the hour for the regular morning service came, there 
was gathered in the church another Christmas congre- 
gation, the meeting with whom filled the fatherly heart 
of the pastor to overflowing. It was an assemblage 
composed wholly of the sons of other days, — his for- 
mer pupils of the Institute and St. Paul's College, 
assembled there, from far and near, partly to receive 
his acknowledgment of a united Christmas gift which 
they had sent him the night before, but more partic- 
ularly for a reunion with him once again in the hal- 
lowed Christmas strains which he had taught them 

in their boyhood. 

\> 

The occasion came about as follows: among a col- 
lection of pictures on exhibition which Dr. Muhlen- 
berg visited, was one by " Hubner, the first artist of 
the Protestant branch of the Dusselclorf school," which 
strongly excited his admiration. He thus describes it : 



292 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

"The painting, three feet by two, represents the 
interior of a German cottage, with the rustic family 
engaged with the Holy Scriptures. A boy reading 
from the Bible forms the centre of the group. His 
grand-parents are listening — the mother lighted up with 
joy in believing; the father pondering what he hears 
with a more reasoning faith; the sister of the boy, with 
half-absent looks, is patiently waiting with folded arms 
until he is done, leaning on the back of the chair which 
he occupies as the seat of honor for the time in con- 
sideration of his office. In the foreground is apparently 
the widowed mother of the children, who has returned 
with them to the old home. She listens with the com- 
posure of calm reverence and attention. Light through 
an opening in the roof hints at illumination from 
above." 

He named this beautiful work of art "The Gospel 
at Home." One of his former pupils, then resident in 
New York, learning the impression made upon Dr. 
Muhlenberg's mind by this picture, conceived the 
happy idea of uniting with his former schoolmates in 
the purchase of it, as a joint Christmas gift to their 
beloved school-father. The suggestion was eagerly 
seized by those to whom it was mentioned; a Com- 
mittee was appointed, and communication had with as 
many of the old scholars as could be reached. There 
was but one sentiment on the subject. The painting 
was secured and duly sent to the Parsonage of the 
Holy Communion on Christmas Eve. 

Dr. Muhlenberg had been informed, a few days pre- 



TOO JOYFUL FOR PROSE. 293 

vious, of what he was to expect, a request being added, 
that he would unite in signalizing the occasion by a 
" church service" with his "boys" after the pattern 
of the Christmas devotions of old times. It was so ar- 
ranged. The school-father, and as many of his school- 
sons as were able to be present — and they were not 
few in number — met in the church as proposed, and 
after uniting once more in the prayers and hymns they 
learned so long ago, Dr. Muhlenberg expressed his 
thanks for their gift in a carol of thirty-six stanzas, 
prepared by him for the purpose, and which he recited 
to them, not without emotion. 

The verses convey tenderly and gracefully the par- 
ticulars of the occasion, with very much more that 
only their author could say. He told them he found 
himself unable to make his acknowledgments in the 
ordinary way: 

"I've tried — my heart won't go in prose, 
'Twill only sing its joy. 

"Seldom since ye were boys at school, 
I've penned a rhyming strain; 
The genius of your presence 'tis 
That wakes my muse again. 

Speaking of his reception of the picture he says: 

"That Christmas gift of yours last eve — 
Greater no child's delight, 
With glistening eyes at Santa Claus, 
Than mine was at the sight. 



294 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

"Thanks for a gift of costly price, 
A noble work of art, 
More precious for the argument 
Its grapic forms impart. 

"Grand the idea that canvas shows: 
The open Word of God, 
Enlightening, blessing, comforting 
Souls freed from priestly rod. 

"A youth the priest — a peasant's cot 
The hallowed house of prayer — 
No jewelled altar, yet full sweet 
The incense rising there. 

"No mediator save the One 
To man before his Lord: 
He for himself the pardon reads, 
The great High-Priest's own word. 

"That Gospel faith (to set it forth, 
The artist's high design), 
That faith your gift a pledge shall be, 
Forever yours and mine. 

"And more, I trow, your present means: 
That ye've remembere'd 
How young and old, from first to last, 
The Bible lesson said." 

This last was even so. Not a few in response to the 
communication of the Committee regarding the pro- 
posed gift, expressed just such an appreciation and ap- 
plication of the subject of the painting. Some time 
later the entire correspondence of this interesting trib- 



LETTERS TO COMMITTEE. 295 

ute was sent to Dr. Muhlenberg, among whose private 
papers it was found after his death. The following 
extracts, gleaned from a large number of letters written 
by those who could not be personally present on the 
occasion, will serve to illustrate the whole.* 

One of his earliest pupils, after thanking the Commit- 
tee for inviting him to share in the grateful offering 
adds: <*The painting I have never seen; but the sub- 
ject and its title are singularly suitable for a gift to 
one who has studied the Scriptures, and lived and 
walked in them for a lifetime. . ." 

Another writes: "The subject of the painting — read- 
ing the Scriptures — invests the gift with a peculiar 
appropriateness, when we call to mind how eminently 
Christian was the educational system pursued by the 
Doctor, and how interpenetrated were all his instruc- 
tions with the pure and holy teachings of the Inspired 
Volume. The familiar names of your Committee fill 
my heart with pleasant recollections of academic life at 
the Institute: the present seems to be obliterated and 
the days of boyhood to re-appear, — 'Forsan et haec dim 
meminisse juvabiV There is the old Study, with the 

* The Committee consisted of the foUowing gentlemen, all former 

scholars: 
Geegoey Trtteston Bedell, John Jay, 

John Ieelaxd Tuceee, Saatuel D. Babcock, 

Saateel E. Johnson, VTileia^i E. Welaeeeding, 

A. B. Caetee, J. W 6 C. Van Bokeelex, 

Geoege Blight, Benjaaetn W. Steoxg. 

The ballad, or "Christmas Carol," is found entire in the collection 

of verses published by A. D. F. Kandolph, N. Y. 



296 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

wished-for, yet formidable, scenes of Examination Day; 
there is the Hippodrome, with its well-worn circle, 
telling of many a good-natured struggle; there is the 
Dormitory with its tidy alcoves, the envy of youngsters 
doomed to unambitious cots; and all these associated 
with the beloved and welcome presence — the faithful, 
fatherly care of the good Doctor." 

Another in the same retrospective strain says :'" Noth- 
ing could be more delightful to me than the opportu- 
nity of affording pleasure to him to whom I owe so 
much. The happiest time of my life was spent at the 
Old Point, and often do I sit dreaming of the hours 
passed there. Yes, all comes before me like a dream, 
— The school-rooms, the alcoves, the dormitories, the 
forum; and then the skating, the bathing and boating, 
etc. Those were pleasant days ! The Doctor's happy 
face beams through all these memories, and at times I 
could weep, that I am not, now, as I was then ; for he 
is not near to guide and direct me. . . ." 

Another says: u To him I owe much gratitude. He 
not only taught me to read the Scriptures, but to feel 
the efficacy of their divine truth." 

Another: " If there is any good in me, I owe it to his 
counsels." 

Another: "In doing honor to one who is in advance 
of his age, we are but doing honor to ourselves." 

On the 16th of September of this year, he had com- 
pleted his sixtieth year. The anniversary, as usual, 
had its especial exercises. Among its minutes, were 
the following: 



FILIAL REMINISCENCES. 297 

" To-day I am sixty years old. Penitence or thanks- 
giving — which shall prevail? 'Every day will I give 
thanks unto thee and praise thy Name for ever and 
ever.' I can hardly feel it a fact that I am three- 
score — yet the time past does not seem short; and I 
feel as if I should live a few years yet to finish the 
works which I humbly trust have been given me to 

do Read over the pages of my mothers 

illness and death — a melancholy pleasure, opportune 
for my birthday How much do I owe her ! " 

lie notes the several engagements of the day thus: 
" Had prayers in the Infirmary, in both wards. Went 

with to look at the Hospital building. Entered 

C. F." (a lad who had been his attendant) "at the New 
York University ; he has been a good and faithful boy. 
. . . Read to my sister. Dr. Cruse took tea with us. 
We rejoiced together at the prospect of a favorable re- 
port of the Commission on the Memorial. . . ." 

To what extent this last anticipation was realized 
has been intimated in a previous chapter. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

1856-1859. 

Individuality of St. Luke's Hospital. — Fundamental Idea. — Impressivenesa 
of Building. — Pleasure Grounds for Patients. — Plan of Interior. — Anoth- 
er Hundred Thousand Dollars. — Chapel opened for Worship. — A Hos- 
pital Church. — The Furnishing Committee. — A double good Work. — ■ 
Prejudice disarmed. — Work begun in St. Luke's. — Solitariness of Build- 
ing. — The First Workers. — The Hospital a Family. — Ways and Means. 
— Faith the best Endowment. — Harm of a Million of Dollars. — Ar- 
rangement with Board of Managers. — A welcome Handsel. — Costly 
and beautiful Gifts. — First Annual Report. — The Hospital Associations. 

St. Luke's Hospital was not patterned after any 
European institution, admirable as many of those 
are. Like all the creations of its Founder, it has a 
character and expression distinctively its own. In 
most hospitals, the advancement of science is the 
fundamental ground of their existence ; but St. Luke's, 
while necessarily subserving the interests of science, 
*has for its generic and formative principle, Christian 
Brotherhood, exemplifying itself in loviug, sympathiz- 
ing care for the sick and needy. 

The material structure, free from all ornament ex- 
cept it be the surmounting Chapel cross and stone fig- 
ure of St. Luke in the niche below, is beautiful in its 
simple dignity, in the symmetry of its proportions, its 



ST. LUKE'S PLEASURE GROUNDS. 299 

fine couimodiousness and its aspect of cheerful comfort. 
With ever-open door, it stands as though typical of its 
appointed office, welcoming each sufferer in the name 
of Him who said: "Come unto me, all ye that are 
weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest." 
And the beautiful grounds of the Hospital, well-laid 
down in grass, and shaded by fine trees, heighten the 
impression; for that handsome lawn is for the free en- 
joyment of every patient, physically able for out-of-door 
refreshment. It is a sight worthy of Christianity, to 
see such scattered, at their will, over the soft green 
sward, or lying reposefully under the shadow of the 
tall trees; and this in closest proximity to Fifth Av- 
enue, whose world of wealth and fashion has not al- 
ways forgotten to express its sympathy by generous 
largesses. 

The interior of the building is approached from the 
south by an open portico, leading past the business 
offices, Managers' Room, Superintendent's Apartments, 
etc., to the several wards. The towers have also en- 
trances from the south, and communicate with the 
wards, corridors, and also the upper stories by means 
of staircases. These entrances are so arranged that 
they can be made to communicate directly with the 
Chapel, without coming in contact with the patients. 

The wards are on either side of the central building, 
which, above the first floor, is occupied by the Chapel 
and the towers and stairways. The height of the first 
floor is fifteen feet. The wards on the second and third 
stories are one hundred and nine feet long, twenty-six 



300 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

feet wide, and fourteen feet high. The beautiful Chil- 
dren's Ward and its extension, comprising fifty beds, 
occupies the third story on the eastern side. 

The corridor or sanitarium adjoining each ward on 
the north side of the house, spacious, lofty, and well- 
lighted, is for the use of convalescing patients, who 
thus have a refreshing change and relief from the sick- 
room, with opportunity of in-door exercise in their 
wheel-chairs or otherwise. In the wings are staircases 
leading from the basement to the third story, and con- 
nected with each ward in every story are Sisters medi- 
cine rooms, patients dining-rooms, dumb-waiters, bath- 
rooms and other appurtenances. The basement, with 
the exception of the air chambers, is chiefly devoted 
to domestic purposes, store-rooms and offices, with pro- 
vision in the east wing for the apothecary's shop and 
laboratory. The laundry is connected with the en- 
gine-house, exterior to the main building. 

The Chapel is the distinctive feature of the Hospital 
structure. It is rectangular in plan, eighty-four feet 
long, thirty-four feet wide, and forty feet high. It has 
a gallery around three sides, on a level with the third 
story, and will accommodate in all four hundred per- 
sons. Its doors, corresponding with the ward doors on 
each side of every story, admit those in their beds 
as part of the congregation, whenever desired. It is 
lighted from the south by three wide and lofty win- 
dows, and at the opposite end is an inner semi-circular 
apse, surmounted by a half dome, where is the chtmcel, 
raised four steps from the floor, and lighted by seven 



A HOSPITAL CHURCH. 301 

lofty narrow windows, the mild borrowed light from 
which has a subdued and grateful effect. 

The roof of the Chapel is elliptical, having bold, 
transverse ribs resting on corbels, with small inter- 
mediate longitudinal ones, and a characteristic cor- 
nice. No indulgence as to ornament has been per- 
mitted; the agreeable architectural effect produced here 
as elsewhere, both internally and externally, is solely 
due to an intelligent adaptation of the plan to the re- 
quirements of the house, to simplicity of design, and 
the due proportion of parts to the whole. 

At the time of laying the corner-stone, the Managers 
did not see their way to erect more than the Chapel 
and the connecting wing westward. Subsequently it 
was concluded to go on with, the entire structure, and 
a subscription for another hundred thousand dollars 
was set in motion. This amount was not secured as 
rapidly as the first hundred thousand, but in due time 
it came. 

The Chapel was completed long before any other part 
of the building, and was opened for divine worship a 
year in advance of the commencement of the direct 
work of the Institution. Dr. Muhlenberg designing 
thus to bring out its ground idea and distinctive char- 
acter as a Church Institution, or, as he was fond of 
naming it, a " Hospital Church. The first service was 
held on Ascension Day 1857, and thenceforward, the 
Chapel was open for divine worship every Sunday after- 
noon, with the exception of a brief interval in mid-win- 
ter. " For a year," said Dr. Muhlenberg, " St. Luke's 



302 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

was resorted to only as a place of worship, thus pro- 
claiming the evangelical order, — good works the fruit 
of faith." 

There were many subordinate advantages in the 
opening of the Hospital Chapel in advance of the read- 
iness of the wards for patients. It stimulated contribu- 
tions, and gave rise to efforts in various ways for the 
furtherance of the Hospital. It also brought the right 
kind of people in contact with the enterprise. 

The furnishing of the house now came under consid- 
eration. It was time preparations were begun; but 
the Managers, while charging themselves with collec- 
tions for the building and attendant expenses, were 
not ready to assume any responsibility in this particu- 
lar. Dr. Muhlenberg overcame the difficulty by call- 
ing a meeting of the benevolent ladies of the different 
city parishes, from among whom a very able Furnish- 
ing Committee was formed. The year intervening be- 
tween the beginning of their work and the opening 
proper of the Hospital was not too long for the accom- 
plishment of so large and important a task. The ladies 
fulfilled it very handsomely and generously. They col- 
lected all the money required, and made the purchases 
necessary for fitting up, in the best manner, two wards 
and the apartments adjoining, as well as all the rooms 
and offices needed in opening the house for patients, 
excepting only the Sisters' quarters, which the Com- 
munity chose to furnish themselves; their organization 
being, at that time, and for long after, quite independ- 
ent of the Hospital. 



FITTING UP THE WARDS. 303 

The Furnishing Committee, without useless expen- 
diture, but with no little toil and care, selected material 
and equipments vastly superior to any thing heretofore 
applied to hospital uses. This was in kind and benev- 
olent compliance with Dr. Muhlenberg's sentiment and 
feeling. He took a personal interest in all their pro- 
ceedings, and the three-feet wide beds with their excel- 
lent hair-mattresses, common to the wards of St. Luke's, 
were immediately of his own bespeaking. During the 
erection of the building, he had looked into the matter 
of hospital beds, commonly a twenty-six inch frame, 
with a bundle of straw in a case laid upon it, and 
had made up his mind what he meant to have in his 
own institution. 

It fell to the Sisters to provide a large additional 
share of linen and clothing for the destitute patients 
they anticipated would constitute their Hospital charge. 
This however came upon them by the force of circum- 
stances, rather than of design. The year 1857 was 
one of extreme suffering from the great financial 
panic, which threw multitudes out of employment. 
The Sisters' House, among other severe demands made 
upon it in consequence of this state of affairs, was 
thronged by decent good women, imploring for work 
to keep their families from starvation. They were, 
for the most part, persons unused to receive gra- 
tuities, — the wives of clerks, mechanics, and others ac- 
customed to a respectable support. How properly to 
help them was an embarrassing question. Dr. Muhl- 
enberg came to the rescue. The exigency, as common 



304 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

with him, brought its inspiration. " These good women 
shall •have needle- work," he said; " they shall makeup 
linen and clothing for St. Luke's. I will get the ma- 
terial and money to pay for the sewing, and you (the 
Sisters) can give out the work." 

Forthwith he went among his merchant friends for 
assistance. They were not backward to help him. 
Several dry goods merchants, who could not afford 
money, offered large quantities of domestic fabrics, 
which, in the dulness of business, had accumulated 
in their warehouses. Bales and cases of prints, cotton 
cloth, and flannels were sent in, and the Sisters entered 
heartily on their work. The usual rules as to hours 
were set aside, and the little band, never more than 
six or seven in number, worked early and late in cut- 
ting out and distributing the garments to be made; 
Dr. Muhlenberg, on his part, furnishing, unremittingly, 
the means for regular and liberal payments. Thus a 
large number of respectable persons were tided over a 
period of peculiar distress, while, at the same time, the 
Hospital was benefited. 

The history of Dr. Muhlenberg, in establishing St. 
Luke's Hospital, is so interwoven with that of the Sis- 
terhood, that the one can not well be portrayed, at this 
juncture, without enlarging somewhat upon the other. 
Mention has been made of the widely-spread preju- 
dice against the employment of Sisters in St. Luke's 
which existed in the earlier years of the project; but 
at this time, the work of the Community in the Infirm- 
ary, with other influences, had so far disarmed appre- 



PREJUDICE DISARMED. 305 

hension as to bring about a request from the Board of 
Managers that they would be prepared to take charge 
of the wards of St. Luke's when these should be opened, 
to which they acceded. At length, the building not 
advancing to completion as fast as it should have done, 
a suggestion was made by Dr. Muhlenberg, in conjunc- 
tion with the more influential members of the Hospital 
Board, that the Sisters should take possession without 
delay, in such accommodations as were available, be- 
ginning operations as best they could. This. was de- 
signed to impel contractors and workmen towards a 
conclusion. To this, also, they consented. The ap- 
proaching Festival of the Ascension (May 13th, 1858) 
was then named for a public opening, and two days 
before that event, three Sisters, with the nine patients 
then under their charge in the Infirmary, removed to 
the Hospital, where the short ward of the first floor, 
on the east side, had been prepared by themselves for 
their sick. Incompleteness met them at every step. 
The basement floor was not so much as laid nor the 
kitchen range set They did not exchange the retire- 
ment and privacy of their own house and its shel- 
tered work for the wards of the great open Hotel 
Dieu of St. Luke's without some feeling. It was an 
eventful step in their history, and more favorable, 
it may be, to the service of the Hospital than to the 
genius and original order of their association. But 
there was great interest in the new field, and will- 
ing sacrifice. 

The Hospital building then stood alone amid a bare, 
20 



306 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

desolate tract. Unoccupied and unimproved lands 
stretched in every direction, until northward the eye 
fell upon the then newJy begun Central Park. There 
were during several years no buildings between the 
rear of St. Luke's and the Park, so that, to persons 
walking on the Mall, the Hospital formed the end of 
the vista southward, and seemed immediately to ter- 
minate the promenade. 

The house itself with its long halls and huge empty 
rooms was dreary sometimes to its first occupants. 
Besides a plain worthy couple in charge of the place, 
and their family, the only tenants of the vast building 
were the Sisters, their nine patients, and an old wom- 
an, to help in the nursing. The physician appointed 
prospectively as resident, for some time made only a 
brief daily visit. Dr. Muhlenberg commonly spent 
part of the afternoon with his pioneers, cheering and 
encouraging them ; and during the hours of labor, the 
noise of the workmen, in different parts of the build- 
ing — carpenters, painters, and plumbers — gave a sense 
of neighborhood; but these left when the daylight 
closed in, and then, amid the gloom and silence that 
suddenly fell upon the great house, the gas-fixtures not 
being adjusted, a solitary candle would be placed here 
and there, throughout the corridor, in its nearly three 
hundred feet of length, making visible a kind of shad- 
owy darkness. 

So much by way of retrospect, as to the first occupa- 
tion of the building, and also as illustrating Dr. Muhl- 
enberg's perseverance and energy under difficulties ; for 



HOL Y ENCO URA GEMENT. 307 

the Sisters' labors and trials in these initiatory days 
were his own, naturally, from his proprietorship of the 
work, but not less from his sympathy and loving-kind- 
ness towards the workers. He had the alchemist's 
power for transmuting common things into gold, and 
such exigencies called it forth signally. His animat- 
ing words of holy encouragement, and his belieying 
prayers often shed so pure and rare a ray of heayenly 
joy upon those homely toils that they brightened into 
noblest and most privileged service — 

"Thine Handmaid, Saviour, can it be? 
Such honor dost thou put on me?" 

Within no long period the interior of the Hospital 
came into convenient and beautiful order. The house- 
hold increased in numbers, patients began to come in, 
and the resident physician occupied his proper quar- 
ters. The first idea, however, of the Sisters and their 
Principal taking charge only of the nursing was soon 
set aside. It was speedily apparent that Dr. Muhl- 
enberg's exalted and beautiful conception of a true 
Church Hospital could not b£ developed without the 
unreserved Christian devotion of some womanly mind 
and hand to shape, organize, and guide the entire 
domestic economy. And so it came to pass that, in 
advance of the public opening, Mr. Minturn, as Pres- 
ident, had constituted the first Sister "Director Gen- 
eral," a title that almost immediately gave place to 
the more agreeable and pertinent one of t; House- 
mother" which was held by the original incumbent 



308 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

— with the exception of a brief interval — during 
nearly twenty years. 

Dr. Muhlenberg always said that his Church Hos- 
pital was best described as a Christian family with its 
father, mother, and ministering daughters, making the ' 
cause of the sick their own. The House-father, who 
is also the Pastor, occupying himself in all that bears 
upon the spiritual and physical interests of his charge ; 
the House-mother with her Sister associates — the wom- 
anly head of this family — regulating and refining the 
household; personally serving the sick, dispensing their 
food and medicine, keeping at their side through the 
dread ordeal of the surgeon's knife, and soothing the 
dying bed day or night. 

The peculiar system of nursing established in St. 
Luke's by Dr. Muhlenberg, viewed in its medical 
aspect, "is not the substitution of voluntary for paid 
labor, because hired nurses are employed; but the in- 
terposition between the physician and his patients of 
educated Christian women, who voluntarily perform 
certain duties more responsible than can be entrusted 
to paid nurses.. It is the substitution of intelligent, 
appreciative critical assistance on the part of the Sis- 
ters, for the unquestioning routine obedience of mere 
nurses, and it has all the advantages which increased 
intelligence has in any work " 

" Every ward is in charge of a Sister, who has un- 
der her two day nurses, and one for the night. She 
has had some instruction in medicines. Attached to 
her ward is a drug-closet containing such materia med- 



SYSTEM OF NURSING. 309 

ica as is most likely to be used, and all prescriptions 
are put up and administered by herself. There are two 
advantages in this over the ordinary method. First, 
as no medicines are ordered in quantity, but each dose 
is prepared and given separately, there is no waste — 
nothing is left over to be thrown away. Secondly, 

greater safety and accuracy are secured To 

have the medicine given by one who is herself respon- 
sible for its proper administration and preparation, who 
is required by the Eules of the Sisterhood to understand 
its nature, the ordinary dose, and its expected effect, 
and who is honest and faithful enough to report im- 
mediately any mistake which may occur, shuts up 
many sources of error and danger." * 

The strong and simple faith that inspired Dr. Muhl- 
enberg shone out, conspicuously, in another particular 
connected with the beginning of the Hospital. On the 
day of the opening, after an impressive sermon by the 
Kev. Dr. Samuel Cooke, a handsome collection was 
taken up for the support of the house, but previous 
to this, there had not been a dollar in hand for such 
purpose. The responsibility of the Managers, Mr. Eob- 
ert B. Minturn being President, and Mr. Adam Norrie 
Treasurer, extended to all that appertained to the cost 
of the building and the custody of the permanent fund, 
of which already there was a small beginning, but ex- 
tended no further , and the question had been mooted 
of deferring the opening of the Hospital until some- 

* From Keport of Resident Physician and Surgeon, 1873. 



310 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

thing like adequate means for supporting the sick were 
assured. 

" No! "said Dr. Muhlenberg, unhesitatingly ; "when 
our house is ready, let us open wide its doors to the 
sick and needy in the name of the Lord, not doubting 
he will give us our daily bread." And, in his heart, he 
delighted that there was this room for the exercise of 
faith, and for its corresponding claim upon the prayers 
and sympathies of all good Christian people. " Why," 
he said to an intimate friend, "a million of dollars by 
way of endowment just now would kill us." He meant 
as to the divine life in a devout waiting upon the Lord, 
on the part of those engaged in the work, which would 
alone make it the fountain of spiritual as well as tem- 
poral blessing that he conceived it should be. Endow- 
ments would be desirable later, and he doubted not 
would be bestowed; faith was the best endowment to 
begin with. 

In this spirit he proposed to the M anagers to assume, 
himself, all the responsibility as to household expenses 
for the first three years, they undertaking the cost of 
fuel, insurance and other external outlays. This was 
readily agreed to, and thus, besides the high end which 
prompted the arrangement, Dr. Muhlenberg secured to 
himself that freedom and independence in the incep- 
tion of the work which always seemed essential to him 
whatever the " sphere of his activity." 

His faith and wisdom were eminently justified in 
the results. On the evening of the opening day, in 
addition to the Chapel collection there arrived as a gift 



THE JUNIOR HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION. 311 

from one of the Managers * a large wagon-load of sup- 
plies of all sorts for the store-room, the best as to qual- 
ity and in quantities sufficient to last the prospective 
household several months. And so, at the very outset 
of actual service, there began to flow into the Institu- 
tion that stream of living charity which, fed from one 
source or another, has never intermitted. 

At the anniversary on St. Luke's Day 1859, when 
the first report of current expenses was presented, it 
was found that the amount received ($15,408.44) had 
been enough to cover all outlays, and a little over. Dr. 
Muhlenberg might well thank God and take courage. 

Among the items that compose the above total, 
nearly four thousand dollars appear to the credit of 
the Hospital Associations, which in the early days of 
the Institution were a most valuable auxiliary and one 
wholly after Dr. Muhlenberg's own heart. They con- 
sisted mainly of bodies of young men, formed in the 
different parishes, for the sake of searching out, bring- 
ing to the Hospital, and maintaining while there, the 
sick and destitute, either of their respective churches 
or wherever else found. The members visited their 
beneficiaries while in the Hospital, provided decent 
Christian burial if they died, and interested themselves 
to set them on their way again in life if they recovered. 

The Junior Hospital Association of the Church of the 
Holy Communion, formed under the auspices of Dr. 
Muhlenberg, took the lead in these organizations, and 

* The late Mr. John Caswell. 



312 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

was quickly followed by similar societies in other prom- 
inent parishes. 

Until St. Luke's began to have a revenue from its 
vested funds these associations were an essential arm 
of the service, furnishing the more reliable portion of 
the annual income; and the fact is noteworthy as show- 
ing what combination will do towards so great an end, 
without any one individual giving to an extraordinary 
amount, for the members were ordinarily young men, 
just beginning to make their way in the world. Fur- 
ther, to many of these, this new hospital ministry, 
brought into their lives a sanctifying influence, never 
hereafter wholly dissipated. 

The revived spirit of charity diffused itself also in 
other new and beautiful ways. Late one Sunday after- 
noon of the first year, a lady, withholding her name, 
asked to see the Sister in charge, expressing a desire 
to be shown something of the house. After a brief 
visit to the ward and Chapel, she took leave, and in 
so doing, slipped a little packet into the Sister's hand, 
saying, " Something to help your work." Opening it, 
there were found within, two hundred and fifty dollars 
with the words, "A thank-offering for fifty years of 
good health." Who the donor was, never transpired. 

There were costly and beautiful, as well as more 
immediately useful gifts brought lovingly to the Found- 
er in the very beginning; chief among these may be 
named the illuminated Evangelium, or manuscript copy 
of the four Gospels, executed by the hand of Mrs. Mary 
Elizabeth Swift, wife of one of the Managers, and a 



VALUABLE GIFTS. 313 

much-loved friend and parishioner. The suggestion of 
this came from Dr. Muhlenberg, who early discerned 
her talent for such work. It was a genuine labor of 
pious affection; in size, of largest folio, such as the 
ancient copies in the British Museum and elsewhere. 
It is written in large, clear, old English church-text, 
with perfect accuracy and uniformity of penmanship, 
smooth and even as copper-plate, and embellished by 
an unusual variety of original illuminations, It forms 
the crown piece of the beautiful Chapel of the Hospital, 
standing with ever-open page immediately under the 
chancel cross. Other valuable gifts, were a large pict- 
ure of the Marys at the Sepulchre, by Huntingdon; a 
fine organ from a member of a Presbyterian church; 
a beautiful silver communion service from one lady 
friend; a memorial font of Caen stone from another. 
Two ladies from different parishes severally fitted up, 
very completely and handsomely, a large room each, on 
the first floor, for private patients, which were designed 
to yield some remuneration for the general support 
of the house. A member of the Board of Managers 
equipped the dispensing room and laboratory of the 
apothecary's department, both elaborately and expen- 
sively, and another friend embellished the exterior of 
the building with the stone figure of St. Luke. But to 
do justice to the influence of the Institution, in all 
its bearings and benedictions, can not be attempted. 



CHAPTER XIX. 

1859-I860. 

Takes up his Abode in St. Luke's. — A lofty Prophet's Chamber. — Ear- 
ly Rising. — Elasticity and Strength. — Sixty-three Years old. — Sacra 
Prlvata. — St. Luke's a Monument. — Pertinent Words. — The Metho- 
dist's Prayer. — Evangelical Catholicity. — Bedside Ministrations. — Three 
Sketches by his own Pen. — Religious Services. — Use of the Prayer 
Book. — Household Evening Worship.— Turning passing Events to Ac- 
count. — Visitors. — Impression on Different Minds. — Sunshine. 

It might be supposed that a man of Dr. Muhlen- 
berg's genius and position, after fairly- launching his 
Church Hospital, would leave the burden and care of 
its working to more ordinary hands. But such was not 
his w T ay. As in the freshness of early manhood he 
merged his life with that of his boys in the Institute, so 
now in the culmination of his power and influence, he 
went to live with his sick charge under the roof of the 
Hospital. He took up his abode there in the summer 
of its first year, and thenceforth as Pastor and Superin- 
tendent was, as has been truly said, " The most devoted 
servant, day and night, within its kindly walls." 

He retained his charge of the Church of the Holy 
Communion for a year or more, by means of an assist- 
ant pastor, but subsequently resigned all active respon- 
sibility in the parish; although while his strength 



PRIMITIVE HOURS. 315 

lasted lie always conducted the early Christmas and 
Easter services. 

In beginning his home at the Hospital, he quartered 
himself, with an attendant, in the rooms adjoining the 
ward on the third floor of the western wing. The tip- 
per story of the house was not in demand for patients 
for the first two years, and in these lofty prophet cham- 
bers he used to sleep and spend his hours of retirement. 
He would never be luxuriously lodged, and had only 
the plainest accommodations in these remote rooms: 
little, indeed, in addition to the ward furniture, except 
his arm-chair and writing-table. 

The arrangement proved very enjoyable to him. He 
was within easy reach of his work, and well out of 
reach of household interruptions when he desired pri- 
vacy, and the long empty ward, with its large windows 
presenting so broadly the sunset views, in which he 
always delighted, made a magnificent ambulatory 
Nothing for the time, could have suited him better. 
Later he had more becoming accommodations on the 
first floor; a study, and bedroom adjoining, and both 
rooms looking out southward, on the Hospital grounds. 

He took his meals with the Sisters who thencefor- 
ward made his family, adopting their simple and prim- 
itive hours, i. e., breakfasting at half-past six all the 
year round, dining at half-past twelve, and taking tea 
at six, preparatory to the evening Chapel service ^ e 
rarely failed, summer or winter, to conduct the det^>- 
tions which preceded the Sisters' early breakfast, by 
gaslight, of course, in the winter months. The early 



316 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

rising to which he had coerced himself in youth, was 
now an established and much enjoyed habit. Until his 
most advanced years, he was rarely in bed after five 
o'clock, and when the season permitted, would take 
some out-door exercise before breakfast, and might be 
heard carolling a morning hymn in his rapid circuit of 
the lawn, some time before the Sisters' prayer-bell rang. 

The Hospital under his large and loving spirit soon 
unfolded a world of beauty and goodness. " He him- 
self was brighter and happier, perhaps, than ever be- 
fore. He grew vigorous in the sunshine of the confi- 
dence of men. As they trusted him, his heart and 
genius moved to nobler music, and with more uniform 
elasticity and strength; his nature developed under 
prosperity, and grew richer and more creative as time 
and years advanced. His sympathies became more and 
more extensive, and his wisdom was more conspicuous 
as fame and age came on." * 

His private memoranda of this period indicate in- 
creased spiritual joy and peace. His wonted birthday 
record in 1859 reads: 

"This day I am sixty-three years old, — the grand 
climacteric. In good health, with my mental fac- 
ulties unimpaired, so far as I can perceive, and the 
Divine Life in my soul, I trust, nothing abated. Nay, 
more truly than ever before, I think I can say, ' The 
H£fj-J e hich I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith 
03i vue Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for 

* Dr. Harwood. 



"NON NOBIS DOMINE." 317 

me.' Can It be that I am thus favored ! However 
others may, how can I doubt the election of grace ? 
I am overwhelmed with gratitude. Thanks, thanks, 
thanks, my heart can Titter nothing but thanks and 
confessions of the un worthiness of the mercies thafc 
have followed me all the days of my life. He gives 
me himself — he lives in me — I am saved. He makes 
me the instrument of his purposes towards others. 
. . . It is too much to think of myself as God's in- 
strument for good but that I know he does use the 
meanest as his instrument ! Oh may I be passive in his 
hands ! Oh may I be saved the guilt of resisting his 
will! Since I see nothing but sin in myself, and yet 
good is done by my hands, who can it be that does it ? 
Here I am, living in my Hospital, where every thing is 
going on beyond all expectations. Daily evidence of 
the Divine blessing. Who has done — who is doing it ? 
Non nobis Domine, ex meo pectori clamavi." 
At another time: 

"0 Great Master, 
Let thy poor servant thus much say, 
I'm docile in thy school. Not that I vaunt 
Myself. Thy tender, patient, forming hand 
Hath made me so — the creature of thy love !" 

Again: "Men come and talk to me of the monument 
I have erected in St, Luke's. If they knew how I feel, 
they would never utter such words to me." 

His was the genuine humility that "kneels in the 
dust, but gazes on the skies." * 

* Archer Butler. 



318 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

A brother clergyman, visiting him in these days, 
has a little anecdote referring to the then frequently 
Tittered compliment of St. Luke's being " a monument,' 5 
Mr. E. had been earnestly talking with him on church 
matters, expressing, in the course of the conversation, 
strong forebodings as to the result of some recent ac 
tion. While the two stood together, before separating, 
under the arched portico of the Hospital, Mr. R. said: 
"This is a great, a grand monument; I shall leave 
nothing like it." "The prophets never do," Dr. Muhl- 
enberg instantly rejoined; "they are a voice in the 
"wilderness." "This," said Mr. R. in relating the cir- 
cumstance, "was the wittiest, kindest, sweetest, — and 
receiving what I had been saying as true, — humblest 
answer, I ever heard." 

The bright, pertinent word seemed ever at command 
with him. A Sister came excitedly to his room one 
day, saying: "Oh! Dr. Muhlenberg, there is a Meth- 
odist minister making a prayer aloud, in the middle 
of the w r ard." " Indeed ! " he replied. " Make haste 
back, my dear Sister, and stop the prayer before it gets 
to Heaven." The prayer teas an irregularity under a 
rule of the house made by the Pastor himself to prevent 
a confusion of religious instruction, viz., "that clergy- 
men from outside visiting, in the wards, will confine 
their ministrations to the patient they come to visit." 
The good Methodist had either not understood the reg- 
ulation, or w^as carried away by his sympathies; and 
Dr. Muhlenberg sympathized with his prayerful spirit. 
He could go farther than this in his charity. He did 



"SHROUDS HAVE NO POCKETS:' 319 

not affection the visits of a certain Father to the 

members of his communion, accidentally among the 
sick, though, of course, he permitted them. His objec- 
tion was not to the administering of the rites of their 
church to these poor people, but to the priest's enjoin- 
ing them to shut their ears against the teaching of the 
house. Nevertheless he gave the little father his due 
for much that was good in him, and very often spoke 
with respect of his faithfulness and assiduity in look- 
ing after his charge. 

It was always a joy to him to put in action the Chris- 
tian brotherhood with which he was so deeply imbued, 
as well as to recognize the exercise of the same in 
others. He cherished a particular affection for Arch- 
bishop Leighton, in this respect. " Leighton," he said, 
"was a good Evangelical Catholic. Here is a little 
illustration of it, A friend one day met the pious 
prelate going to visit a sick Presbyterian minister, on 
a horse borrowed of a Eoman Catholic priest," 

A valuable lesson would often be conveyed in pass- 
ing, by a forcible word or two, such as that to the Sis- 
ter regarding the good Methodist's prayer. To a rich 
old man, with whom he was familiar, and who was one 
of those "who withhold more than is meet," he said 
grimly, as he turned away from him, " Shrouds have 
no pockets." Again: a newly-entered patient, a rather 
conceited young mechanic, as soon as Dr. Muhlenberg 
began to talk with him, said, " I don't believe in eternal 
punishment," "I never heard that that was the first 
article of the Christian faith," was the rejoinder, and 



320 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

thereupon the Pastor pressed home to the man the 
cardinal verities of the Gospel. 

A Hospital Sister relates the following, as an example 
of his bedside ministrations: H. W. was expecting an 
operation, which the surgeons had told her might prove 
fatal. Dr. Muhlenberg, aware of the fact, came up to 
her the evening before, and after some conversation 
and prayer, was about to leave the ward, when the 
poor girl seized his hand, and said piteously, 

" Dr. Muhlenberg ! I am so afraid I have lost my 
faith — I feel as if I never can have strength for to- 
morrow." She waited breathlessly to hear what he 
would say. 

He put his other hand over that she held him by, 
enfolding hers so tenderly, and after a moment's si- 
lence, said, 

"You know we are to pray for our daily bread, 
you must not expect the strength not needed till to- 
morrow to be given to-night. But," he added with a 
bright look of trust in his face, "you'll be sure to get 
the strength just when it is needed." 

And his words proved prophetic, for when the next 
day came, she was wonderfully sustained, and came 
through the operation safely. 

This part of his Hospital work was remarkable in 
result, especially among men and boys. We catch a 
glimpse of his mode of dealing with his charge, one by 
one, in the following delineation by his own hand of 
three several histories, as found among his "Pastoral 
Notes: " 



AN ENTIRELY DIFFERENT THING. 321 

"H. G — — , in his early clays, was used to going to 
the Sacraments of his church, but left off as he grew 
older, and fell into evil ways. His sickness had made 
him thoughtful and quite disposed to enter into seri- 
ous conversation. He alluded freely to the religion 
of his youth, something more than which, he said, he 
now felt he must have to get peace of mind. Admit- 
ting that with all his confessing he had never thought 
of confessing to Christ, and of obtaining pardon from 
hirn, I requested him to read the Gospels carefully, 
that he might understand who Christ is, and see in 
him the great Absolver. He did so, and expressed to 
me his great delight in becoming acquainted with 'the 
Biography of Jesus Christ,' and said that for the most 
part it was all new to him. He was familiar with the 
ceremonies of his church, and a catechism which he 
had been taught, but had no idea of the offices of the 
Saviour, of whom he was now glad to hear and read 
for himself. On my asking him some time afterwards 
whether he thought it necessary now to confess to a 
priest, when he saw he could go at once to the High- 
Priest himself, he again said, 'It is all new to me — it 
is an entirely different thing.' The point he was most 
anxious to be assured of was, whether what our Lord 
spake to his first disciples was meant for all believ- 
ers. Satisfied of that, he read the Evangelists over 
again, and frequently spoke of the comfort he found 
in doing it. His disease yielding to treatment, there 
was a prospect of his recovery. For a while he was 

comparativelv well, when he showed the same desire 
21 



322 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

for divine knowledge and earnestness about his salva- 
tion as when he supposed himself near his end." 

" J. N. was another who had been brought up in the 
Roman Catholic Communion. He was here several 
months, gradually declining in consumption, and grad- 
ually gaining a clear and loving knowledge of the 
truth. Long before death the fear of it had gone, 
and he would tell me of his sweet dreams of heaven, 
and of the Saviour smiling on him, assuring him of his 
pardon. Not doubting the genuineness of his faith, I 
spoke to him of the Holy Communion, but he expressed 
no desire to receive it. I explained to him the nature 
and design of the ordinance, showed him the privilege 
and benefits of remembering the Redeemer in the mode 
of his own enactment, with which all his true followers 
had ever gladly conformed. N. admitted t it all, but 
when I came to make the application to himself, he 
was silent. After introducing the subject several times, 
and with no better success, I began to suspect the cause 
in a lingering attachment to his own religion, which 
he was not ready to break with so entirely, as to accept 
any religious rite from a Protestant clergyman. I told 
him so, but he would not allow it, although I gave him 
a fair opportunity to express his mind. He said he 
wanted no minister but myself, at the same time waiv- 
ing the subject of the Holy Communion. Presuming 
on his latent wish, I said: 'Suppose you had here one 
of your former clergymen, he would not give you the 
whole Sacrament.' At this he seemed amazed, and 
wondered, how it could be— upon which I read to him 



NOT THE WHOLE SACRAMENT 323 

the account of the Institution of the Supper, dwelling 
on our Lord's administration of the cup. 'Your priest 
would give you no cup to drink of.' This arrested his 
thoughts — he was quiet — but the next morning he sent 
me word by the Sister of the ward, that he would like 
to have the 'Blessed Sacrament.'" 

"John P was a young man of pleasing appear- 
ance, of intelligence and general information from hav- 
ing seen a great deal of the world in a seafaring life 
— withal far gone in consumption. I became much in- 
terested in him from frequent conversations, in which 
he frankly owned his evil courses, ascribing their be- 
ginning to a godless father and brother. He had been 
brought up a Universalist. As he seemed to listen at- 
tentively whenever I spoke to him of his higher inter- 
ests, I was in hopes of an early impression on his mind 
for good, but the only reply I got was, that what I said 
was all true, but he did not feel it. Nevertheless I re- 
marked his serious deportment at the religious services 
in the wards and in the Chapel — his joining in the re- 
sponses and hymns — so that I continued to say a fit- 
ting word at every opportunity, although, excepting 
by his civility, I was not much encouraged to do so. 
Indeed I found that he would talk irreverently among 
the patients of the ward, who began to look upon him 
as an unbeliever. Occasionally too, he conducted him- 
self so ungraciously that we could not help hinting to 
him his ingratitude. 'You are not happy,' I once said 
to him. 'I am not ^mhappy.' 'Why, you know you 
are not long for this world, and you confess to no hope 



324 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

for another.' 'I did not bring myself into this world. 
He that did will take care of me when I leave it' It 
was thus he repelled my efforts whether with his under- 
standing or his heart. When the Redeemer was set 
before him, he w^as silent, but still seemed unmoved. 
In April he had gained so much on his disease that 
he believed he had only to go into the country to be 
entirely well. Accordingly he left the Hospital; but 
about the middle of May returned and asked to be ad- 
mitted again. He was sadly changed for the worse. 
He had missed his nourishing food, the equitable tem- 
perature of the ward, and his comfortable bed. Evi- 
dently he was glad to be once more here, but he did 
not say so. A day or two after, conversing with him, 
and thinking he showed a more subdued manner, I 
said, ' Well, John, you now fed as well as allow what 
I say?' 'Not more than I ever did.' 'Do you desire 
to feel?' 'I don't know.' 'Do you ever pray that you 
may?' 'It is of no use.' 'You seem to join in the 
services here, you kneel down with the rest and re- 
peat the prayers.' ' I do it out of respect to the place.' 
At another time reminding him how fast his disease 
was advancing — 'I can't alter that,' he said. 'I am 
not afraid to die.' The weeks passed on, making no 
change in him for the better, so far as I could see, 
when I was inclined to desist lest I should be the oc- 
casion of only hardening still more the unhappy youth 
in his impenitence: One morning, early in June, I 
went up to his bed, after I had been talking to the 
patients over a chapter, and said, 'You have heard, 



"/ GIVE UP." 325 

John. 7 'Yes/ he replied, with emotions that T had not 
seen before; 'yes,' his eyes filled with tears, 'I give up' 
— and give up he did. The change was wonderful! 
He was all humility. He confessed he felt all along 
what I said, but was too proud to own it; that he had 
often lain awake at night thinking of my words. He 
did not now need to be taught the way of salvation. 
He clearly understood it. He threw himself wholly 
upon Christ, yet wondering how so obstinate a sinner 
could be accepted. He suspected the genuineness of 
his repentance, said he had never believed in death- 
bed conversion, but that was all that w^as now possi- 
ble. He hoped it was sincere, which he said with so 
much humility and self-condemnation that I could not 
help encouraging him to believe what he hoped. He 
asked for baptism, and though he had not left his bed 
for days, he insisted on going into the Chapel to re- 
ceive it. 'He knew he would have strength for it,' 
and he had. The scene was touching, as he sat by 
the font, his dark, bright eyes glistening with tears 
and wistfully glancing towards his relatives whom, 
for their own good, he had wished to be present. The 
nurse who had been his affectionate mentor all along, 
sure he would be right at last, and some of his fellow- 
patients, stood by weeping more with joy than grief 
at the sight. A day or two after he received the Holy 
Communion in bed. He joined in the service with 
an intensity of devotion in his manner and tones of 
voice that was most affecting. When it was over he 
said he knew now what Bunyan meant by the load 



326 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

falling off from the Pilgrim's back. He 'gradually sank, 
bearing with great patience his last sufferings, and 
expired, I must believe, in the peace of the Gospel." 

Dr. Muhlenberg's ministrations in the Chapel, as long 
as he retained his vigor, had, in their way, the same 
power and pathos as those of the Church of the Holy 
Communion; and their effect upon the ever-chang- 
ing congregation was remarkable, quite irrespective 
of the "persuasion" of the worshipper. He used to 
call the wards opening into the Chapel on either 
floor, the "long drawn aisles" of his cathedral, and 
claimed that by means of their successive occupants, he 
preached the Gospel, in the aggregate, to many more 
souls than did the rectors of the largest city churches. 

Without being in the least a propagandist, he made 
a multitude of converts to the Episcopal Church, nat- 
urally, by the living force of the truth he preached, and 
his wonderful way of adapting the Liturgy to their 
needs, so making them love it for the help they found 
in it. No one ever knew the Book of Common Prayer 
as he did, or understood so admirably how to use it. 
And thus Baptists, Presbyterians, Methodists, Eoman 
Catholics even, accepted his teachings, adopted his 
ways, and rarely left the Hospital without asking for 
a Prayer Book to take with them. 

The Sunday services in the Chapel were those of 
an ordinary Episcopal congregation, excepting some 
abridgment of the morning office, in charitable con- 
sideration of the feebleness of most of those engaged 
in it. There were regular monthly communions, and 



EVENING CHAPEL SERVICE. 327 

an early communion every Sunday for the Sisters, and 
many an inexpressibly solemn and affecting ward com- 
munion, usually at twilight, when there would be most 
-security from interruptions. Naturally there were nu- 
merous baptisms, and from time to time the adminis- 
tration of the rite of confirmation under very pathetic 
circumstances. 

The week-day morning devotions, besides those for 
the servants and among the Sisters in their respective 
quarters, consisted of Scripture reading and brief ex- 
positions, with hymns and prayers in each several ward. 
But in the evening, all the household, of every degree, 
who could possibly be present, assembled in the Chapel 
for worship ; the great outer doors of the house being 
closed, and the doors of the Chapel opening into the 
wards wide open, so that those who could not leave 
their beds might fully join in the service. 

There were many who used to think this the " love- 
liest hour of the day." Dr. Muhlenberg's grand voice, 
as he stood at the lectern, placed in the centre of the 
Chapel and midway between the long wards on either 
side of the same floor, reached to the end of these and 
into the wings beyond. Every word he said could be 
distinctly heard by the sick lying in the remotest bed 
of either ward, one of which was occupied by men, 
the other by women, and the distance from end to end 
being nearly three hundred feet. This was due in part 
to the acoustic properties incident to the form of the 
building. Yet it has not been a common experience, 
no clergyman, indeed, except Dr. Muhlenberg, having 



328 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

habitually, and without effort, made his voice heard at 
these distances. 

The central Chapel thus connecting with the wards 
he esteemed the choicest feature of his Hospital Church; 
and when plans were under consideration for the erec- 
tion of an Episcopal hospital in a neighboring city, he 
ardently urged a similar arrangement. A committee 
of gentlemen interested in the proposed work, visited 
St. Luke's to see if they could learn any thing of value 
to them. They had determined not to put their chapel 
in the centre of the wards, but quite apart from them, 
and Dr. Muhlenberg appreciating what they would 
thus lose, eagerly combated their plan. A good old 
woman in a bed near to which the gentlemen stood 
as they talked together, asked as they went away, 
" what it was all about." The Sister explained. "Oh, 
run quick, Sister," she said, "and tell them they'll make 
a great big mistake if they don't put the chapel in the 
midst." None can so appreciate the blessing of a cen- 
tral hospital chapel as patients confined continuously 
to their beds. 

The Chapel evening service was family prayer. Not 
the priest in his surplice at the altar, but the House- 
father in his ordinary garb, at the central desk, amidst 
his children. The worship consisted of a chant, a se- 
lected Scripture lesson, a hymn, and prayers, written 
or extemporaneous, as best suited the occasion. There 
was always an admirable harmony in the different parts 
of this service, and many an unspoken sermon in Dr. 
Muhlenberg's perfect reading of the Scripture passage, 



SENSE OF APPROPRIATENESS. 329 

suggested perhaps by some circumstance of the time. 
And the soft, rich organ, directed by his delicate mu- 
sical sentiment would give forth just the sounds ac- 
cordant to the reading and prayers. 

This fine intelligent sense of appropriateness, Avhioh 
marked every service he conducted, was probably one 
secret of the power of Dr. Muhlenberg s ministrations. 
He was not what would be called " a great preach- 
er," but standing in his transparent reality and simple 
unworldly dignity and earnestness at the plain desk, 
which he always preferred to the pulpit proper, he 
was as a veritable prophet of God in his intuitions 
then and there, of the thoughts and feelings of those 
gathered before him, and in his power of bringing 
home to their hearts the lesson of the moment. 

For want of a better example, we may take the fol- 
lowing as slightly illustrative : It was after the burning 
of the Crystal Palace with the treasures of the Inter- 
national Exhibition gathered within it. The building 
stood in Forty-second Street, and, of course, all the 
household were aware of the conflagration. Without 
making any direct allusion to the event, Dr. Muhlen- 
berg read with a deep arresting solemnity, a portion of 
the eighteenth chapter of the Book of the Eevelations, 
describing the great city — Babylon, " Utterly burned 
with fire" — "In one hour made desolate" — "The mer- 
chandize of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and 
of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk and 
scarlet, and all manner of vessels of most precious 
wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble" — "In ono 



330 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG, 

hour so great riches is come to nought" 

The transition of thought to the day when the earth 
and all that is therein shall be burned up, was ir- 
resistible, and the succeeding hymn and prayers led 
all hearts to seek to be prepared for that inevitable 
hour. 

The Hospital early attracted many visitors. It be- 
came one of the sights of the metropolis, and persons 
of distinction, and other strangers, passing through 
the city, rarely failed to take St, Luke's on their way. 
The house, and its remarkable Founder, impressed all 
who came in contact with it, from the noblemen of the 
Prince of Wales's suite, to the humble friends of the 
poorest patient, as unlike any thing they had ever seen. 

A Eussian physician of high rank,* after a profes- 
sional examination of the work, said to Dr. Muhlen- 
berg: "I find here, Sir, nothing of the hospital, but a 
palatial residence which you have generously built for 
the accommodation of your unfortunate friends in their 
sickness;" and the same thought, possibly, though in 
homelier phrase, was expressed by a poor sick girl on 
her admission, who had shrunk with horror, from the 
idea of an institution. As the porters carried, her 
through the house to her allotted place, she turned 
her eyes scrutinizingly in all directions, and then, 
with a sigh of relief, said to the Sister accompanying 
her, "It doesn't look a bit lonesome." Many a poor 

* Dr. de Haurowitz. "Conseiller intime de S. M. l'Erapereur de 
toutes les Eussies. Inspecteur Ge'ne'rale de l'e'tat sanitaire de la Ma- 
rine Impe'riale." 



SUNSHINE, 331 

sufferer, indeed, on being taken into the quiet ward 
with its wide, comfortable beds, neatly curtained to 
afford privacy when desired, and the soft, ambient air, 
making in its equableness, perpetual summer, has said, 
"It's like heaven." 

The repose, purity, and sunshiny comfort of the 
house, first strike a visitor. The atmosphere, as fresh 
and sweet as that of a well-kept private dwelling, re- 
sults in part from the refined cleanliness everywhere, 
maintained; but not less from the excellent natural 
ventilation, and again from the continual freshening 
of the heat radiating from the steam coils of the hot 
air chambers in the basement, by means of cold air 
constantly flowing in through ducts from the outside. 
A nearer approach to solar heat than any other method 
of artificial warming. 

"Fresh Air, Good Food, and Sunshine," Dr. Muhlen- 
berg used to call "our grand faculty of three." Com- 
bined with the material sunshine, streaming in through 
the lofty multitudinous windows, was the sunniness of 
Dr. Muhlenberg's own nature, as a strong element in 
the predominating cheerfulness of the house. And 
this was reflected, more or less, on the part of all asso- 
ciated with him in the service. As in his other un- 
dertakings, he was himself the centre and heart of 
the work. The school-father of other days was now 
the tender, loving, condescending house-father of St. 
Luke's; and with the same unselfish, unstinting care 
and sympathy for all beneath his roof, gentle or simple, 
the sick people or those who served them. With pa- 



332 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG, 

tient devotion he threw himself into "every body's" 

needs and wishes. When Lord H and Dr. A 

of the prince's party, in the visit of that royal per- 
sonage to this country, attended service in the Hospi- 
tal Chapel, there was great excitement throughout the 
house for a sight of the prince himself; this was not 
surprising, considering the favor for royalty with which 
the whole city seemed possessed, as though deep down 
in the republican heart there was, after all, a latent 
idolatry of the crown. Dr. Muhlenberg threw him- 
self kindly into the general feeling, and good-nat- 
uredly endeavored to procure the coveted sight for 
some most desiring it. A young Sister was unusually 
excited on the subject. He entered into her disap- 
pointment while kindly turning the edge of it — " Sister, 
1 Thine eyes shall see the King in his beauty.'" 



CHAPTEE XX. 

i 860-1 863. 

An Episode. — Abhorrence of Slavery. — Fugitive Slave Law. — Free Soil 
Question. — Republican Battle Hymn. — Votes for Mr. Lincoln. — Tri- 
umph. — Bombardment of Fort Sumter. — Shock felt in St, Luke's. — 
Response to Call for Volunteers. — Resident Physician and Surgeon 
enlisted. — Other Enlistments from Hospital. — Interest in his Soldier 
Boys. — National Hymn and Choral March. — A Christinas Morning 
Address. — A Hundred Thousand Men to be drafted. — Riots. — Col- 
ored Orphan Asylum burned. — St. Luke's threatened. — Two Days of 
Peril. — Dr. Muhlenberg and the Rioters. — The Vigilance Committee. 
— President's Proclamation for a General Thanksgiving. — The Presi- 
dent's Hymn. 

The election of Abraham Lincoln as president of the 
United States, was an event of great interest to Dr. 
Muhlenberg, and through some of its issues formed a 
rather remarkable episode, both in his own life and in 
that of the Hospital. 

He never gave himself to politics, as such. But the 
cause of the slave had always been sacred with him, 
though not to taking part in the methods of the early 
abolitionists. The Dred-Scott decision, and the passing 
of the Fugitive Slave Law, moved him deeply. He had 
been used, from time to time, to help over the border 
one and another poor fugitive who found him out, and 
of late years had been assisted in this by a noble- 



334 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

minded Sister, who, having inherited a fortune from 
slave-holding ancestors, delighted in an opportunity of 
any thing like restitution. So when this law passed, 
commanding all good citizens to aid in the arrest of all 
such fugitives, he, in company with many others, was 
disgusted and indignant. 

From his youth he entertained a deep-seated abhor- 
rence of slavery. In a sermon preached in Philadel- 
phia in 1820, on the death of two missionaries from 
African fever, though only twenty-four years old, and 
long before slavery had become the subject of political 
agitation, or even of secular discussion, he condemns 
it on high moral grounds as " an immense national 
evil," at the same time glancing at the danger of the 
element in the event of civil discord. 

Following the Fugitive Slave Law came the so-called 
" Free Soil " question. Dr. Muhlenberg entered eagerly 
into its merits, so much so, that, during the ensuing 
presidential election, he composed and made the music 
for a spirited election song, or u Eepublican Battle 
Hymn," thinking to publish it in furtherance of the 
cause. Upon reflection he refrained from doing this, 
and laid the composition quietly aside among his 
papers, with the following memorandum: 

"This remains as an evidence of the zeal I felt for 
the election of Mr. Lincoln. The vote I gave I have 
not yet repented of (Nov. 29th, 1861), but I allowed 
myself to be more interested in politics than was good 
for me." 

The subjoined is the hymn which has never until 



MR. LINCOLN'S ELECTION, 335 

now appeared in print, and as a part of Dr. Muhlen- 
berg's history ought not to be lost. 

"ON FOR FREEDOM. 

**A Republican Battle Hymn, written for the Presidential Election cf 1 86a, 

" Freemen, now's your day for doing; 
Grand the issues in your hand; 
Bisk them not by faint pursuing, 

Peal the watchword through the land — 

On for Freedom, 
God, our Country, and the Eight. 

"Not with arms of deadly rattle, 
Nor with bribe or trick the fight; 
All we ask is honest battle; 
Armed enough with Truth and Light. 
On for Freedom, etc. 

"' Might is Eight,' let them assever, 
Who have learned the tyrant's creed; 
Eight is Might, our creed forever, 
True in purpose, firm in deed. 
On for Freedom, etc. 

"What tho' Slavery hold its quarters, 
There to have its fated reign; 
Not, in all our lands and waters, 
Not an inch of new domain. 
On for Freedom, etc. 

"By our Mountains, Heavenward reaching, 
Field and forest without bound, 
By the free waves, round us preaching, 
Here, God meant no bondage ground — 
On for Freedom, etc. 



336 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

"By our Banner's Constellation, 
By our Eagle in the skies, 
By our Father's Proclamation, 
By their spirit and their cries — 
On for Freedom, etc. 

"On for Freedom! on, victorious! 
Hail anew our Empire's day, 
Hail the flag, and Union glorious, 
Triumphing in righteous sway. 

On for Freedom, 
God, our Country, and our Eight." 

His journal has tlie following minutes of the election: 

" Tuesday, Nov. 6th, 1860. Went early to vote for 
Lincoln at Sixty-first Street and Second Avenue, but 
finding I should have to wait some hours before my 

turn would come, returned. In the afternoon W 

came for me, and I tried it again. By the favor of 
the police, I got in by the ex.it door, the crowd as- 
senting to this in that I was an 'old man.' So I did 
my duty, as I felt and believed it was. I am no 
party politician, but I am much interested in the 
success of the Eepublicans as opposed to slavery. I 
have not voted for years before, and but seldom in 
my life." 

" Wednesday, Nov. 7th. Lincoln elected ! huzza ! I 
am glad I share in the victory. And why? I have no 
interest in the Eepublican success, save that I believe 
it a triumph of humanity — of principle — over mammon." 

Few were unaware of the threats of the South as to 
secession, and a resort to arms in case Mr. Lincoln 



VOLUNTEERS FOR THE WAR. 337 

should be elected, and although between the latter s 
election and his inauguration, an independent con- 
federacy declared itself, with a provisional president 
at its head, the nation at large continued to believe it 
impossible that the Union in this nineteenth century 
should be plunged in the horrors of internecine war. 
The bombardment of Fort Sumter, on the 12th of April, 
1861, was as the shock of an earthquake throughout 
the North, and profoundly felt even within the quiet 
walls of St. Luke's Hospital. Many hearts stood still 
with awe. Quickly following this, on the 19th of the 
same month, was the assault in the streets of Baltimore 
on the 6th Massachusetts Eegiment, and the first blood 
was spilt. Then all knew it meant deadly conflict, 
and there was an instant rebound. The war spirit 
spread like wild-fire throughout the land. The presi- 
dent's call for seventy-five thousand men was answered 
by three times that number, and among these first- 
volunteers were the resident physician of St. Luke's,* 
and also, most unexpectedly to Dr. Muhlenberg, three 
young men of the Institution, recent convalescents, in 
whom he had taken the deepest spiritual interest, and 
for two of whom he entertained a peculiar regard. 

He had not the remotest idea of their intention 
beforehand. They offered themselves for enlistment on 

* The late patriotic and noble-minded Dr. Edward B. Dalton, 
who became Inspector of the Medical Department of the Army of 
the Potomac, and Chief Medical Officer of Depot Field Hospitals. 
Later, he was Medical Director of the Ninth Corps and Brevet 
Colonel of Volunteers. 
22 



338 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

a Sunday evening, and all three agreed that it was the 
Doctor's manner of reading the first lesson in Chapel 
that morning which incited them to take the step. It 
was the third Sunday after Easter, and the appointed 
lesson for the day was from the Prophet Joel, the third 
chapter, beginning at the ninth verse. With the mil- 
itary ardor everywhere prevailing, penetrating the land 
to its remotest and most peaceful haunts, it is not sur- 
prising that "the boys" were stirred by the opening 
words of the lesson, read as Dr. Muhlenberg would 
read them: "Prepare war, wake up the mighty men, 
let all the men of war draw near, let them come up. 
Beat your ploughshares into swords, and your pruning 
hooks into spears, let the weak say, I am strong." 

Only those who ever heard Dr. Muhlenberg read the 
Scriptures can appreciate all that might be conveyed, 
under the circumstances, by this passage of Holy Writ. 
"A chapter of the Bible read by Dr. Muhlenberg," said 
one, "instructs me more than a sermon.'' 

Dr. Muhlenberg's journal contains some interesting 
memoranda in connection with these young volunteers: 

"April 23d, 1861. A new thing in my life, Parted 
with three of my sons in the Lord for the war — A., 
S., and EL On Sunday evening the three had leave 

to go to a lecture by our former patient, M , a 

convert from Romanism. Between nine and ten o'clock 
they came into my room, Dr. Cruse being with me, to 
say they had enlisted. I reproved them very sharply 
for having done so without speaking to me. They 
went away rather crestfallen, having expected I would 



A BAPTISM. 339 

only applaud "their patriotism. Next morning I *saw 
them one by one, telling them if they had spoken their 
wishes to me, I would have held them only till I could 
see what regiment would be best for them. However, 
of course they should have my blessing. . . ." 

He thought none of them sufficiently robust for the 
service, but they said they were " all right," and be- 
sides, did he not read from the Bible, "Let the weak 
say, I am strong"? They had the best of the argu- 
ment. "They went to their regiment," Dr. Muhlenberg 
writes, (Col. Duryea's Advance Guard) "to drill, and 
in the evening came back, leave for which they ob- 
tained with difficulty, but S. wanted to be baptized. I 
had often spoken to him on the subject, but he was to 
ask for it himself, as he now did. I had some talk with 
him till near eleven, and put a gold cross around his 
neck to be worn next his person. He kissed me fer- 
vently. The next morning he was in my room earlier 
than usual for his accustomed duties. At six o'clock I 
baptized him in the Chapel, A. and H., his brother 
volunteers standing as witnesses. Then I breakfasted 
with the three in the housekeeper's room, and a little 
later they were gone — the Sisters and others of the 
household detaining them awhile in the corridor with 
their farewells." 

In view of the costly sacrifices which the war de- 
manded of those united to the soldier by the nearest 
and dearest ties, the foregoing may seem hardly worth 
recording, for the three newly enlisted were of humble 
station, and two of them, at least, with no nearer home 



340 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

ties* than those of the Hospital. But such was Dr, 
Muhlenberg's life in those days, and, as already shown, 
any youth, however obscure, whose heart he could 
touch spiritually, became forthwith to him a dear 
child. Certainly he took scarcely less than an own fa- 
ther's interest in all that concerned these three youths, 
thus sent on their perilous way. He followed them 
throughout their term of service with parental solici- 
tude, sent them clothing and other supplies, and wrote 
constantly to the chaplain of the regiment regarding 
their highest interests, for which he greatly feared, 
amid the demoralizing influences of camp life. 

The regiment was stationed for a month at Fort 
Schuyler, and Dr. Muhlenberg drove out there with 
some friends to see the boys on the eve of their 
final departure. He took them excellent marching 
shoes, and other fatherly gifts. Some of the men 
carried fine revolvers. Dr. M. notes: "3. did not ask 
me for one, and I could not, in conscience, offer it. I 
leave him with such weapons as the government puts 

into his hands " "We saw the batallion 

drill," he adds, "with which the ladies were highly 
gratified. The show had not, for me, even a tran- 
sient charm." 

Later, he writes: "This war, this war! How do I 
feel about it ? Alternately with horror, and then with 
a conviction that it is so righteous, I am glad to have 
my boys in it. It ought not to cost me nothing. . . . 
The whole city is wild with a military delirium. I have 
always been almost a Quaker; but I have fallen into the 



UNION, LAW, AND LIBERTY. 341 

universal sentiment — that there must be fighting, at 
least in defence of the government, the Capital must be 
held. . . . But oh, the demoniacal passions which 
the war spirit engenders — I falter in the thought. But 
if ever there was a just war, this is one. For our 
country, and against the slave power — that curse which 
proclaims that it means to be perpetual ! If the war 
relieves the country of that, I shall rejoice, should all 
my boys fall in battle." 

They all came safely through the service, however, 
but not without some honorable wounds. 

The spirit of the Christian patriot was stronger within 
Dr. Muhlenberg than he knew. In the year that his 
boys went to the front, and perhaps stimulated uncon- 
sciously by that fact, he took the music of the dis- 
carded election hymn, given on a previous page, and 
wrote some stirring verses fitted to its measure, which 
he called a "National Hymn and Choral March." This 
was printed in one of the church papers of the time, 
but in the multitude of war lyrics that then came 
into being, quickly passed out of sight. The piece is 
dated September, 1861. The music was arranged for 
men's voices. 

* "NATIONAL HYMN AND CHORAL ^IARCH. 

"Praise to his right hand that made us — 
Nation, Soil, and Empire One, 
And while that right hand shall aid us, 
Spoil the hallowed work shall none. 
God be nigh, 
Speed the cry — 
Union, Law, and Liberty! 



342 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

"Heirs of freedom, could we cower? 
Give the way to traitor rage ? 
Stand and see a slave-born power, 
Rend our glorious heritage? 
God be nigh, etc. 

"This we've armed for, not defiant, 
Not athirst for vengeful strife, 
But on Duty's sword reliant, 
Strike we for the Nation's life. 
God be nigh, etc. 

"Conflict dire — yet heaven's probation, 
Bracing into one our might: 
Strength is born of tribulation ; 
Bight is sure to come out right. 
God be nigh, etc. 

"To the Lord of Hosts, hosanna ! 
Bebel madness, pray him cease : 
Make undimmed our starlit banner. 
Float again o'er realms of peace. 
God be nigh, etc, 

"Praise him, praise him, ever giving, 
First or last, the just award: 
Praise him, praise him, ever living 
Our sole King and Sovereign Lord. 
God be nigh, 
Speed the cry — 
Union, Law, and Liberty—" 

With this spirited martial hymn should be named his 
constant, unfeigned sympathy with the inevitable suf- 
fering of the war, in whichever section of the land. 
In the Chapel, at the evening household service, there 



THE GOSPEL OF PEACE. 343 

was the never omitted remembrance of the wounded 
the bereaved, the stricken, of both North and South, 
with the petition that aid and comfort for all might 
be supplied in measures commensurate to the woes 
to be relieved; and any thing like excited discussions 
on military topics was rigidly interdicted in the house. 

A friend, and then parishioner of the Church of the 
Holy Communion, gives the following as to Dr. Muhl- 
enberg's spirit amid the fierce agitation of those ter- 
rible days: 

" I remember one early Christmas service, long before 
it was light, w r hen the morning star was shining over- 
head, and the whole earth beneath was fast asleep. It 
was at the time when the sad war fever was at its 
height; when those who were loyal and on the right 
side, were at least wrong in the bitterness they felt 
towards the South — when nobody had dared to talk of 
compassion for the other side, or Christian brotherhood, 
or communion in the church of Christ; when nothing 
but hate seemed to be the right and proper thing. 
Just at the full passionate high-tide of this wretched 
feeling, in the hush of a holy Christmas dawn, we sat 
still, after the carols, to receive our Pastor s Christmas 
greeting. He took for his subject the Prince of peace. 
After enlarging on the Feast of the Nativity, as a feast 
of good will, and showing us how the blessed Christ- 
mas-tide was sent to us as a time of reconciliation and 
Christmas greeting to our estranged brethren, his coun- 
tenance became suddenly illuminated, and he seemed 
to be carried away from us in one of his flights of 



344 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

holiest feeling ; lowering his voice and raising his head 
slightly, he said: 

" ' The Prince of peace makes a royal feast for us on 
his natal day. One table, One bread, One cup, for all 
alike. East and West, North and South, for loyalists 
and rebels, masters and slaves. Rebels ! At that board 
what are we all, North and South, but rebels? — pardoned 
rebels, receiving anew the pledges of our pardon, and 
adoring the condescension of our Prince in stooping to 
us with the overtures of peace. And what but rebels 
should we now be, save for the constraints of his love ? 
Slaves! What are we but emancipated slaves, the freed- 
men of grace, yet serving the Master of choice, of sweet 
choice, while he takes us to his bosom as brothers.' 

" As I write these words now (1877), after the lapse 
of thirteen years, they seem nothing more than a right 
and natural utterance from the pulpit ; then they sound- 
ed strangely sweet to our ears, and thrilled our hearts 
like the Gospel of Peace, heard for the first time in a 
heathen land. After the service, when we all advanced 
to the chancel steps to shake hands with our Pastor, as 
was the custom in the Church of the Holy Communion, 
I thanked him for those moving words, and ventured to 
ask for a copy of them. He seemed to hesitate at first, 
but when he heard that I wanted them to melt the too 
hard loyalty of a friend, he readily acceded to my re- 
quest, and the next day they came to me in his own 
handwriting, not the whole, but the desired portion of 
the beautiful sermon." 

In the year 1862, one hundred of the beds of St. 



"CONVULSED WITH RIOTS." 345 

Luke's Hospital were appropriated by request to sick 
and wounded volunteers. The government desired the 
use of all the beds, but provision had to be reserved 
for the sick women and children. A large and inex- 
haustible field for patriotic and Christian service was 
1hus opened to Pastor, physicians, Sisters, associations, 
and individual friends of the Hospital; and a great 
amount of good was done, particularly by Dr. Muhl- 
enberg in his personal influence with the soldiers, 
numbers of whom became very dear to him. 

In 1863 a hundred thousand men were called for by 
conscription, exciting the signal resistance of certain 
classes, especially in the city of New York. Then 
came the two terrible days of July 13th and 14th, 
when "the proudest city of the land" was seen "con- 
vulsed with riots," and 

"Men who dared their simple duty do 

Met arson, death, rapine, on every hand, 
And men, who had no fault save that their God 
Had given them a skin of dusky hue, 

Under the feet of reckless fiends were trod; 
And treason shook the city, through and through." 

St. Luke's had her full share of the peril and anxiety 
of those disgraceful days. The first near alarm was 
the burning of the Colored Orphan Asylum, which 
stood in a large garden between Forty-third and Forty- 
fourth Streets, on the west side of the Fifth Avenue, 
and had two hundred and twenty little children within 
its walls at the beginning of the assault. To make 
sure of their work of destruction, the infuriated men 



346 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG, 

had piled the lignter furniture together and drenched 
the floors with inflammable material before applying 
the match. The volumes of dense black smoke rose 
up to the sky, full in view of the Hospital windows, 
then came the flames, and in less than half an hour 
the building fell.* Later in the day, pillaging women 
and boys were seen straggling up the Avenue loaded 
with iron cribs, tables, or whatever else they could 
make booty of. 

Next, three policemen were brought in as patients, 
badly wounded in their endeavors to quell the mob. 
Then came at noon a fearful stentorian voice from the 
basement corridor, and resounding through the story 
above, crying, u Turn out, turn out by six o'clock, or 
we'll burn ye in your beds ! " Dr. Muhlenberg and 
others hastened below. A huge, hatless and coatless 
laborer, his shirt sleeves rolled up to the armpits, and 
bare-breasted, red with liquor and rage, had entered 
by the lower door, and was striding back and forth 

* The household escaped as by a miracle. An eye-witness thus 
describes it: 

"At the sound of the bell, the long line of terrified little children 
filed quietly down-stairs and through the halls into the very body of 
the mob, who literally filled the enclosure, and whose savage yells and 

inhuman threats thrilled like a death-note on every heart 

The human mass swayed back, as though impelled by an unseen 
power; not a hand was raised to molest them, and without sustaining 
the slightest injury, children aud care-takers reached the station house 
in Thirty-fifth Street, where for three days they were crowded in the 
halls and cells of the building, with the bleeding, dying ruffians who 
had been taken by the police." — Charities of New York. 



ST. LUKE'S THREATENED. 347 

the long hall, bellowing over and over these words. 
Dr. Muhlenberg and some of the gentle-women of the 
house tried in turn to pacify him, but they might as 
well have attempted to hush the roaring tempest. 
After awhile he left, and it was with a blank, helpless 
look that one face met another. 

Dr. Muhlenberg quietly directed that his papers and 
whatever documents of value there were in the house 
should be at once put together and sent in a carriage 
to the Sisters' House for safety, and some measures were 
considered for the removal of the little children and 
sickest women in the event of an assault. There was 
an ominous provision of weapons for such a purpose, 
close at hand just then. . The area surrounding the 
building was strewed with spiked iron rods by the 
hundred, prepared for guarding the windows of the 
entire basement story, and in mid-road, were piled at 
intervals, heaps of stone cubes for paving the streets, 
— convenient, easily-hurled missiles for stalwart men. 
The Pastor moved amongst it all like the man of God 
that he was. There were young men in the house, 
loyal and high spirited, who could not help remon- 
strating respectfully with Dr. Muhlenberg at his pas- 
siveness — "Doctor, you're not going to have us stand 
still and see this beautiful Hospital destroyed like the 
Orphan Asylum yonder, are you? Let us send to 
General Wool for a piece of ordnance and some sol- 
diers." The Pastor had no confidence in any such 
measures of defence, disapproved of them indeed, but 
he was almost alone in his opinion, and when, as with 



348 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

the Prophet Elisha, "they urged him till he was 
ashamed, he said, Go." 

Some time before this the city cars had ceased run- 
ning, the telegraph wires were cut, and St, Luke's was 
almost isolated. A horse for the messenger to General 
Wool was borrowed of a plain, timid neighbor not far 
distant, who, to protect himself, had affixed a huge 
sign on his house of " Opposition to the Draft." He 
came over to the Hospital, kindly, but as half afraid of 
being seen so doing, to warn the authorities that it was 
a serious thing to have taken in those injured police- 
men, the rioters threatened to come down upon the 
Institution for it, and that being the fact, he could not 
endanger himself by assisting beyond lending the horse. 
After a long delay, the messenger sent in quest of mil- 
itary protection returned. There were neither troops 
nor artillery unoccupied, but if matters came to an ex- 
tremity, they could come down again. Dr. Muhlen- 
berg was relieved. There was only one kind of defence 
he cared to lean on. 

There was a stifling oppressive stillness in the sus- 
pended traffic of the street, and now and again from the 
window could be seen men and women assailing the few 
carriages that passed up or down Fifth Avenue. The 
sultry afternoon wore away; what would six o'clock 
bring? Knots of ill-looking men were seen standing 
about the neighborhood, and a low tavern about twenty 
rods to the north of St. Luke's on the Fifth Avenue 
seemed to be a rendezvous for orders, and between the 
two, long low whistles were from time to time ex- 



SUSPENSE. 349 

changed. All things moved on in a kind of breath- 
less order in the house. Six o'clock came, and at half 
past the Chapel bell rang as usual, and the household 
gathered for their evening worship. The patients had 
been carefullv guarded from alarm, but to the rest of 
the family the service occupied a period of surpassingly 
intense emotion. The Pastor's voice, in place of its 
usual flexibility and richness, had an almost sepulchral 
sound as he turned to St. Peter's second epistle, third 
chapter, and read of the coming of the day of the Lord 
as a thief in the night; a suitable hymn and prayers 
followed. The hour passed. A few ill-looking men 
had stepped over the low wooden fence that then en- 
closed the grounds, and a woman, occupying a base- 
ment room at the eastern end, overheard two of them, 
who sat on the grass close under her window, talking 
together as though surprised no attack were in progress. 

''Wasn't it to be at that hour?" 

Again: "Have they been warned?" 

"Yes," said the others, and they moved off. 

Night came on, a night of horrors. Yells and shrieks, 
at no great distance, with now and again the report 
of a street howitzer, or the rattle of musketry, filled the 
darkness. Only the patients and the subordinates of 
the household thought of going to bed, neither that 
night, nor on the night following. Early the next 
morning Dr. Muhlenberg sent two trusty, intelligent 
men as scouts, to mingle among the leaders of the mob 
and learn if possible what was proposed for St. Luke's. 
They succeeded in worming out of the rioters that the 



350 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

Hospital was on their list for destruction, but that " an- 
other place had to be attended to first." 

Before these wicked men found themselves at lei- 
sure for the attack, the current of feeling was entirely 
turned. It came about somewhat remarkably. 

On the afternoon of the second day, a young rioter, 
who had been shot by a soldier, was brought by a posse 
of the mob to the Hospital gate, with a request for ad- 
mission. Dr. Muhlenberg went immediately out and 
received the patient. His mates carried him into the 
ward. He was dangerously hurt, and the surgeons 
were quickly about him. His miserable old moth- 
er followed to the bedside, bewailing piteously that 
her son was shot down like a wild beast, and he so 
innocent. 

"What was he doing?" asked Dr. Muhlenberg. 

"Nothing at all, at all, your riverence, but just 
standing on the doorstep with a bit of a brick-bat in 
his hand." 

The man attended to, the Pastor returned to the 
crowd, and going among them in his simple dignity, 
said that the doors of the Hospital were freely opened 
to every wounded man needing help, whoever or what- 
ever he might be, but that in doing such charity it was 
not expected that the. house should be threatened with 
fire and storm. He was interrupted by cries of "No, 
no, certainly not. Long live St. Luke's Hospital! God 
bless Dr. Muhlenberg! Not a hair of his head shall be 
hurt. We'll stand by him," etc., etc. "Thank you, 
thank you," the venerable man replied, and then rais- 



THE VIGILANCE COMMITTEE. 351 

ing his hand,, brought them to silence again. They 
listened respectfully, as, in his own clear, kindly way, 
he told them that what they were doing was altogether 
wrong. There might be two opinions about the draft. 
They were not obliged to think it good, but it was 
their duty, if they disliked it, to use peaceable meas- 
ures to get it changed, etc., etc. It is impossible to do 
justice to the sensible, forcible address he made them, 
standing bare-headed in their midst, for they seemed 
drawn to him and gathered around him. Then, wheth- 
er by the force of his personal influence upon them, or 
through the proverbial fickleness of a mob, an entire 
revulsion took place. They renewed their vivas for St. 
Luke's and its Pastor, and offered to get re-inforcements 
and form themselves into a vigilance committee for the 
protection of the Institution — which, under an official 
personage of the vicinity, they did. In considerable 
force they patrolled the neighborhood all night, and 
once every hour halted on the Hospital grounds with a 
terrifying hurrah to assure the inmates of their safety, 
and also to regale themselves with ale and other stimu- 
lants. It was not a very comfortable guard, but there 
was infinite relief in the vastly changed situation, and 
on the third day the tumult was beginning to ebb out. 
During the months immediately succeeding these 
events, prospects so greatly brightened for the North 
that the president was encouraged to issue a procla- 
mation recommending a General Thanksgiving on the 
26th of November (1863), as an expression of national 
gratitude for so much of success. The proclamation 



352 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

touched a responsive chord in Dr. Muhlenberg's muse, 
and a Thanksgiving Hymn with accompanying music 
soon came into being. As the piece was suggested by 
Mr. Lincoln's call upon the nation to give thanks, Dr. 
Muhlenberg instinctively spoke of it as "the President's 
Hymn" but would not permanently affix such a title 
without Mr. Lincoln's approbation. Mr. Minturn saw 
the piece, was greatly pleased with it, and sent a copy 
to the president, with whom he was personally ac- 
quainted, telling him Dr. Muhlenberg's involuntary 
thought as to its title, and asking on his own ac- 
count, if it should be thus called. Mr. Lincoln tele- 
graphed back: "So let it be," and therefore so it was. 
The President's Hymn completed happily Dr. Muhl- 
enberg's music and verse of the war period. The stir- 
ring joyous song with its refrain, 

"Give thanks all ye people; give thanks to the Lord, 
Alleluia's of freedom, let freemen accord," 

is familiar to many. The hymn w T as very generally 
sung on the occasion for which it was prepared, in 
the Episcopal and other churches. The proceeds of the 
sale of the piece with its music, such as they were, 
went to the widows and orphans of soldiers. 




FROM A PHOTO G 



RAPH BY FREDERICKS, IN HIS SEVENTY FIFTI [ 



CHAPTER XXL 

1865-1866. 

Benevolent Activities during War. — The selfish Landlord. — Central Park 
Splendor. — An unrepining Spirit. — Evening Hours. — Soldier Patients. — 
Favoring the Poorest. — A Riddle. — Keeping Lent. — Efforts for general 
Observance of Good Friday. — Co-operation of Ministers of various 
Denominations. — Sermon in Dr.' Adams's Church. — Bishop Potter's 
Pastoral. — Letters to a Friend. — Dr. SchafFs Service in Church of the 
Holy Communion. — Restoration of Church of Augustus. — Growth of 
exclusive Sentiment. — Death of Dr. Cruse. — A Pair of Saints. — Anec- 
dotes. — An Olive Branch. — Act of General Convention of 1865. 

The unhappy years of the war, in the sufferings 
direct and indirect which it entailed, opened a vast 
field both for public and private benevolence through- 
out the land. Dr. Muhlenberg's humane and Christian 
sympathies were never in more active exercise. There 
seemed an almost unremitting demand upon his time 
and attention. " I hope the way to the kingdom of 
heaven for you and me lies through these corridors," he 
said one day to a fellow-worker, "for we spend very 
much of our time in traversing them." 

Besides his ardent, pains-taking interest in the sol- 
diers themselves, he often found occasion for out-of- 
door errands of mercy in the service of their families; 
the following is an example. The wife of a volunteer, 
23 



354 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

then in the army, had failed to receive her usual remit- 
tances, and came in great distress to Dr. Muhlenberg 
under a threat of ejection for not paving her rent. 

" Who is your landlord ? " he inquired. 

"Mr. . He has a good many houses." 

"Oh, I know him well. Be comforted. I will see 
to it." 

Forthwith he repaired to the poor woman's landlord, 
who was engaged, at the time, in his private office, but, 
being intimate with the Doctor, admitted him there. 
The rich man was counting a quantity of gold into lit- 
tle piles at the moment. Dr. Muhlenberg described the 
poor tenant's distress, and asked him to give her a quit- 
claim for a quarter's rent. 

" Impossible. I have nothing at all to do with it. 
My agent attends to all such matters. Business would 
be quite demoralized by such interference." 

"Nay, but," remonstrated Dr. Muhlenberg, u the good 
woman occupies your house, and you receive her money 
for it. She has paid regularly till now, when she is 
ordered to leave." 

u Yes, yes, that may be all true, but the thing can't 
be done; it is not business." 

" Well, then," said the faithful pleader for the poor, 
" just give me one or two of those gold pieces fur her." 

"By no means," rejoined the rich man. "I want 
every one of them to make up a sum I'm going to put 
into the bank." 

" Well, sir," said Dr. Muhlenberg, rising with some 
indignation to go, "I would rather take my chance 



OLD RENT ROLL. 355 

for the kingdom of heaven, with the poorest, mean- 
est, dirtiest beggar in the streets of New York than 
with yon." 

Full of the softest humanities, and merciful after the 
heavenly pattern, to "publicans and sinners," there 
were two things that always roused his ire — greed 
and hypocrisy. Further, he enjoyed, now and then, a 
strong word when it fitted. Here is a similar reflec- 
tion, made after a somewhat like occurrence. M I am 
no apologist for Mariolatry, but I would rather fare 
with Bridget saying her 'Hail Mary,' than with Old 
Rent Roll, her master, groaning over her idolatry — 
himself a worshipper of Mammon. Granting the idol- 
atry, hers may be venial, compared with his, in the 
eye of the Discerner of Spirits." 

In these days, his main recreation was a brisk walk 
in Central Park, so conveniently at hand, where he 
frequently noted the throng of gay equipages bowling 
along the carriage ways. " Little sign of the unparal- 
leled disaster of the land," he would say, and then rec- 
ollected that those newly set up handsome establish- 
ments were too often the very product of the war, 
acquired by those who made money out of it, but 
took not the slightest share in its hardships. Gazing' 
one daj^at such a scene, he said to a poor shivering 
fellow who asked for something to buy him a morsel 
to eat, " I suppose you think it rather hard to see 
these streams of merry sleigh-riders dashing along so 
gayly while you are starving in the cold?" "Oh! no," 
he replied, " they are enjoying themselves. I like to 



356 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

see them. I would do the same if I had a chance." 
Dr. Muhlenberg did not fail to reward the man's tin- 
repining spirit, and recorded the incident to the credit 
of human nature. 

A common occupation of the evenings of his Hos- 
pital life consisted in private interviews with the pa- 
tients in his own room. When the rush of business 
from outside was suspended, and he was at leisure from 
other interruptions, the lights in his study turned low, 
one might hear, in passing along the corridors, his 
voice in deep, subdued tones of earnest persuasion, or 
fervent prayer, with one or another forlorn patient who 
had crept down to that hallowed place for the fatherly 
counsel and spiritual help never sought in vain. Very 
often, at night, before he lay down to sleep, he would 
mount even to the third-story ward, and at the bedside 
of those whom he knew to be in especial danger or 
distress, speak such words of heavenly help and cheer, 
that the poor souls felt as though an angel of God had 
visited them. And with the morning dawn, before 
sitting down to his early breakfast, he would constantly 
again look in for a moment upon such sufferers, to learn 
how the night had passed. 

On Sunday evenings he would have his melodeon 
carried into the wards most remote from the Chapel, 
and make a bright service of praise and prayer for those 
excluded by their ailments from attending church with 
the rest. And so passed his happy, thrice blessed days. 

By the close of the year 1863, the government had 
removed the sick and wounded men from all the civil 



FAVORING THE POOREST. 357 

institutions to military hospitals. Dr. Muhlenberg had 
found great pleasure in ministering to his soldier pa- 
tients. "It is a. satisfaction," he said, "to see how 
much they enjoy their accommodation here. Used to 
the forms and strictness of military regimen, some very 
few of them abused the mild, paternal order of the 
house, but with these exceptions, they have been as 
orderly and obedient as could be desired. . . . Very 
generally they are pleased to attend the religious ser- 
vices, both in the wards and in the Chapel. Scarcely 
any of them are Episcopalians, but after a few direc- 
tions they take to the Prayer Book and make responses 
worthy of a regular church congregation. It is pleas- 
ant to have them gathered every evening, as well as 
on Sundays, for worship, which they can do so easily 
by means of the central Chapel communicating with 
the wards. Some of them have expressed much pleas- 
ure in it. We may hope that they will carry from the 
Hospital more than they came for. . . ." 

There was a great preponderance of chronic patients 
in the earlier years of the Institution, and the pro- 
longed occupation of beds sometimes rendered it diffi- 
cult to entertain all the applications made for admission. 
One day, when only one vacant bed remained on the 
men's side, two men applied at the same moment to be 
taken in. One was a respectable-looking man, able to 
pay his board, the other a poor consumptive, without a 
shilling in the w^orld. The well-to-do man was so eager 
to be admitted, and the poor man so needy, that Dr. 
Muhlenberg was referred to for a decision. "Why, of 



358 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

course, take in the man that has no means; the other 
can procure a shelter somewhere." This was not a 
solitary instance of the principle governing admissions; 
any other decision would have been a disgrace to the 
Christianity of the house; but Dr. Muhlenberg always 
congratulated himself on an opportunity of favoring 
the poorest, and often called the Hospital, " Lazarus's 
Palace." On one such occasion he improvised a riddle, 
thus: "Why is St. Luke's like the kingdom of heaven?" 
Answer: " Because c they that have riches shall hardly 
enter therein.' " 

In the spring of 1864, it occurred to him to make an 
effort for the observance of the coming Good Friday, 
by all Evangelical Christians in the city of New York. 
He always made much of Lent, not in the way of 
minute rules, as to this or that article of diet, or 
other matters of "mint, anise and cummin," but as an 
especial time for self-searching, true self-denial, and 
humiliation for sin. He would speak of the season 
as "an annual returning to the law, which might be 
made very salutary if used for evangelical repentance." 
" Our Lord," he said "was forty days in the wilderness 
alone ; we may profitably follow him there, by making 
this appointment of the church, a time for putting our- 
selves more frequently and solemnly in the presence 
of God, in spiritual reflection and prayer. . . ." 

Passion Week was eminently a Holy Week to him 
to his life's end, and with regard to the observance 
of Good Friday, as was his earliest desire, so was 
his latest — that all who named themselves Christiana 



OBSERVANCE OF GOOD FRIDAY. 359 

should, with one accord, keep the day of their common 
redemption. 

This year (1864) there were some especial grounds 
whereon to urge his Evangelical Catholic principles to 
such an end. These were, in his own words, " the fear- 
ful moral aspect of the city of New York, the revelling 
in luxury and wanton extravagance ; the squanderings 
of newly-gotten wealth in fashion and display ; the tri- 
umphant successes of places of amusement, while new 
horrors of the necessities of war form the daily 'items 
of news; while the moans of suffering and bereavement 
from agonized hearts almost sound in our ears." 

In a brief paper entitled U A Word for Good Friday/' 
lie expatiates upon the history and principle of the 
solemn observance of the day, thus: " There are traces 
of it in the earliest centuries. It is impossible to assign 
the date of its beginning, but naturally it might have 
been the first anniversary of the Crucifixion. ... It 
was adhered to in Protestant countries as strictly after, 
as it had been before, the Eeformation. They never 
thought of giving it up as a papal custom, nor do they 
at the present day. Good* Friday belongs to the relig- 
ion of continental Europe everywhere ; prevailing also, 
though not so universally, in the British dominions. 
In our own country, likewise, many of the Protestant 
churches, the Lutheran and the Reformed, the Moravian 
Brethren, with a large number of the AVesleyan Metho- 
dists, and others, are of one mind on the subject, which, 
without any violence to conscience, it would seem 
might be the mind of all. If hallowed associations, if 



3C0 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

ancient and world-wide precedent be required for an 
institution, this may claim them abundantly. 

u Of all holy days, it is the least likely to be abused. 
It is a fast, not a feast, like Christmas, which men may 
and often .do prostitute to riot and excess. Merry 
Christmas the world is willing to keep; Good Friday 
it would leave undisturbed, and on no day might de- 
vout Christians more realize that they are not of the 
world. 

"True, the great theme then dwelt upon is not for 
our thoughts on that day alone. We remember the 
death of Christ every day of our lives, but it does not 
thence follow that w r e may not more especially remem- 
ber it on one day in the year. We are to pray with- 
out ceasing, but we have certain times for prayer. 
We are to hallow all our days, yet we are to remember 
the Sabbath to keep it holy. The Christian is to be 
always humble and penitent, yet the profit of special 
days for humiliation and penitence has always been 
recognized. We receive our daily blessings from the 
hand of God with lively gratitude, but no one would 
make this a reason for dispensing with the annual 
Thanksgiving. The principle involved is the same in 
the observance before us. It assumes the expediency 
of there being one marked, fixed, and devoted period 
in the cycle of the year to call us away from earth, 
to bring us closer to the cross, to study more deeply 
its awful mystery, to perceive more clearly the exeeed- 
vyv: sinfulness of sin, and thus to renew our repentance, 
to quicken our faith, and to see the whole price of our 



A DEMAND OF THE TIMES. 361 

redemption paid when the Redeemer cried : ' It is 
finished.' Nothing but further sanctification, under 
the blessing of the Holy Spirit, could flow from a day 
thus used. 

" Hence there are countless believers to whom Good 
Friday is inestimably precious, and who would not for 
the world spend it in secular pursuits; while it is 
equally true of countless others that while the dying 
Saviour is never absent from their spiritual gaze, they 
know nothing of the day, and would even shrink from 
keeping it as carnal and popish ; just again as there are 
still others who keep it with the utmost scrupulousness, 
who, nevertheless, may have every thing yet to learn 
of the power of the cross to salvation. But any thing 
of that kind does not touch the question of the edifica- 
tion of the observance in the manner in which alone it 
is here commended. 

" But, further, do not the times call upon all who 
believe in the vicarious sacrifice of Christ, for some 
special demonstration on their part which shall de- 
clare their unanimity in that belief? Now, when 
multifarious and subtle errors are undermining this 
vital doctrine of the Gospel, when unbelief insinu- 
ates itself under the guise of rational belief, when 
Christ is preached, but not Christ crucified, does it 
not behoove all who are steadfast in the faith to 
stand up together and announce that in whatever 
else they are apart, on this ground truth they are 
one? And would it not be an easy, a natural and 
edifying way to set apart and give up a day for this 



3C2 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

purpose, and further to take that which always has 
been kept as the Atonement-day, and so testify that it 
is the ancient catholic as well as the scriptural faith 
which they maintain in confessing ' Christ Jesus dying, 
the just for the unjust to bring us unto God ' ? A gen- 
eral return to Good Friday would be emphatic, would 
have a positive meaning, would tell upon the world 
as a proclamation that, despite of divisions and differ- 
ences, Christians do see 'eye to eye' when they turn 
to the central object of their faith and hope and love. 
" Such a union service in our several churches could 
only be profitable, and also most animating in thought, 
when we consider the vast company of Christians with 
whom we would be in sympathy. The millions in all 
quarters of Christendom, all called by the day to their 
respective sanctuaries, all turning their eyes to the one 
object on Calvary; some, indeed, less understandingly 
or with a more mixed faith than others, but all naming 
the only Name under heaven given among men where- 
by we must be saved; all pouring forth one litany: 
1 Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, 
have mercy upon us;' an innumerable brotherhood of 
ransomed sinners, each claiming his share in the salva- 
tion of their great Elder Brother, the God-man, the 
Peacemaker between God and man, all in virtue of the 
blood of the everlasting covenant, crying, ' Our Father 
who art in heaven.' What a time for universal charity. 
for -those who are blessed with the clear knowledge of 
redemption to pray for the illumination of many of 
their brethren, looking also to the cross, but with a 



UNITING TO KEEP GOOD FRIDAY. 363 

darkened faith; what a time for supplicating the great 
Head of the church that he would purge out her errors, 
heal her divisions, and give her peace ! Shall we not 
bear our part in the congregation of all nations, and 
languages, and tongues? Shall we not in solemn wor- 
ship, special and appropriate to the day, manifest our 
union, so far forth, at least, with the 'holy church 
throughout all the world ' ? " 

This paper was followed by a circular very widely 
disseminated, and to which he succeeded in obtaining 
the signatures of the pastors of all the more prominent 
churches of the city, of every party and denomination, 
proposing respectfully to their Christian brethren of 
the city a general agreement to observe the day in 
their congregations. In the list of signers, we find the 
rectors of Trinity, Grace Church, Calvary, (then Dr. 
A. C. Coxe, now Bishop of Western New York) of St. 
George's Church, of St. Bartholomew's, with those of 
the Madison Square Presbyterian Church, St. Paul's 
Methodist Episcopal Church, the Fourth Ave. Presby- 
terian Church, the Reformed Dutch Church, the Fifth 
Ave. Baptist Church, the German Reformed Church, 
etc., and very many more of differing communions. 
The effort was an eminently successful one, and from 
that time forth the observance of the day by Christians 
generally has been steadily extending. 

Dr. Muhlenberg preached, by invitation, at the sec- 
ond service held in the Madison Square Presbyterian 
Church. He simply preached, leaving the conduct of 
the worship to the pastor of the congregation. He 



364 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

was afterwards censured for this, and in vindicating 
himself said: 

"For a fortnight previous I had spent much time in 
obtaining the signatures of a large number of the 
clergy of various denominations, to a circular recom- 
mending the observance of that day, both for its com- 
memoration and for the purpose of manifesting the 
unity of Christians in the doctrines of the Cross. 
Nearly everywhere I met with the most cordial wel- 
come. A few days before the fast, Dr. Adams, who 
had taken a lead in furthering the movement, said to 
me: 'Will you not now come and finish your work 
by preaching in my church on Good Friday afternoon, 
when a number of clergy and people of other con- 
gregations will be present?' A small reply would it 
not have been, had I said, 'Yes, on condition that 
you allow me to conduct all the worship myself, and 
according to the forms of my own church.' I shall 
never forget that solemnized and thronged assembly. 
Never did I so feel the reality of my office as a preacher 
of the Crucified. It was the happiest Good Friday of 
my life." 

Mention has been heretofore made of the tenacity 
with which Dr. Muhlenberg held to his principles of 
Evangelic Brotherhood. In season and out of season 
he pressed them, ' and it is doubtful if he ever passed 
by an opportunity of discussing the subject with his 
Episcopal superiors. Items in his journal constantly 
glance at conversations upon the theme with one or 
another bishop with whom he came casually in contact 



THE BISHOP'S PASTORAL. 365 

He had an unfeigned reverence for, and appreciation of, 
their office, with a vision so grand of the possibilities 
of the Episcopate for the advancement of the church 
of Christ that he longed to bring every individual 
member of the same to see what he saw. 

In the year 1865 he published a pamphlet in answer 
to Bishop Potter's Pastoral, making serious charges 
against himself and some brother clergymen for prac- 
tising what were deemed canonical irregularities, the 
preaching in Dr. Adams's church on this Good Friday, 
being one of them ; and lending the Church of the Holy 
Communion to the Eev. Dr. Schaff for a German ser- 
vice, the other. Dr. Muhlenberg felt there was an un- 
, fairness in the allusion of the Pastoral to this last 
particular, under the circumstances through which Dr. 
Schaff 's use of the church came to pass; and an injustice 
also in the objection made to it, in the face of the lib- 
erty allowed about the same time in Trinity Chapel, 
of the celebration of the Holy Communion in the Greek 
tongue after the formulas of the Eussian Church. 

The facts regarding Dr. Schaif 's preaching, are thus 
stated by Dr. Muhlenberg: 

"In regard to the preaching of the Eev. Dr. Schaff, in 
the Church of the Holy Communion, it (the Pastoral) 
says: 'Certainly the specious plea urged on that occa- 
sion will never be admitted again by the present bish- 
op.' The specious plea was this: For some time I had 
thought it would be a good thing to give our churches, 
when not otherwise used, on Sunday evenings, for ser- 
mons by native German preachers, with the view of in- 



366 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

ducing the attendance of some of that large portion of 
our German population neglecting public worship alto- 
gether. Many who send their children to our Sunday 
schools, will not themselves come to church. I be- 
lieved that if special efforts were made to bring them, 
not just to mission halls, with which their foreign feel- 
ings won't associate the ideas of worship, but to our 
goodly sanctuaries, giving them a cordial American 
welcome there, putting our organs in the hands of their 
countrymen to lead them in chorals of their fatherland 
— by such means I believed something might be done 
in bringing them to hear earnest preachers of their 
own, not as of any one denomination, but as evangelists 
declaring to them the Gospel, the same in Germany and 
America. Full of my scheme for a German lecture, I 
went to the bishop for his approval of it, proposing to 
make a beginning in the Church of the Holy Commun- 
ion. He assented to it, without any pressing on my 
part, or hesitation on his. I left him, gratified with his 
readiness in the matter. As he now says he 'gave a 
bare assent,' I must suppose that he did, but that he was 
urged by any specious plea, I can not admit. He knows 
how careful I was to adhere to the understanding that 
the church should be considered as loaned for the occa- 
sion, for I afterward informed him that I had declined 
the offer of one of our clergymen to read the evening 
prayer in German, before Dr. SchafFs sermon, that there 
might be none of the intermingling of services to which 
he objected. I made use of no pretext; I was open and 
straightforward throughout. 



NO SPECIOUS PLEA URGED. 367 

"Some three months afterward, the bishop, at my re- 
quest, allowed the use of the same church, for a sermon 
by a German Lutheran divine, who then thought of 
coming into our church. The purpose, a special one, 
was approved by the bishop, but no specious plea was 
urged." 

For a full understanding of the matter the reader is 
referred to the pamphlet itself, entitled "Letters to a 
Friend." * Dr. Muhlenberg used much deliberation in 
making this reply to the bishop. On simply personal 
grounds he might have been content to let it pass, as 
more than one of his brethren entreated him to, but 
he thought the Pastoral " calculated to do harm to our 
church." "It sets her," he said, "in a false attitude 
toward surrounding Christians. It attributes an ex- 
ciusiveness which does not belong to her, and puts her 
ministers in an ecclesiastical bondage foreign to her 
spirit, and not imposed by her laws." 

He never ceased to be jealous for the honor, — the 
true character, full usefulness, and fair adornment, — 
of the Episcopal Church; which had not, in all her 
borders, a more loyal and loving son; and the same 
spirit that, before he was even ordained, stirred him to 
reform the organ loft of St. James's, Phila., and to re- 
move from the sanctuary service the incongruous office 
of clerk, impelled him, as life went on, to put forth his 
best efforts for the eradication of more important evil 
growths. The hallowed structure, if of heavenly foun- 

* Ev>. Cath. Papers, First Series. 



368 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

dation, was built up of earthly elements, and hence 
liable to injury, to unwholesome accretions, and to de- 
cay. He would not have us — in the imagery of a dele- 
gate to the General Convention, succeeding his decease, 
— " refrain from repairing the old building till the tim- 
bers fall about our ears." 

"'Take away her battlements, for they are not the 
Lord's,' " he said might be enjoined of the prohibitory 
canons. Speaking of the interpretation of the twenti- 
eth canon which makes it enforce absolute uniformity 
of worship to the exclusion of a breath of free prayer, 
under whatsoever circumstances, he writes: 

" In vain do we look for any of these severe provi- 
sions in the Prayer Book. That keeps within the limit 
of its prerogative. It dictates what shall be said, and 
there stops. It prescribes, but does not proscribe. It 
does not forbid the utterance of any words whatever 
beyond its own. But that, you answer, is implied. 
Not so. When our Lord said, ' When ye pray, say Our 
Father,' we do not understand him as enjoining exclu- 
sively that prayer, which, from its perfection, might, if 
any prayer might, be our sole liturgy. The church, 
then surely would not go beyond her Lord, and say of 
her ; form of sound words,' thus, and thus alone, shall 
ye pray. No, no. It is the canon, in its hard sense, 
not the dear old Prayer Book, which knows the Bible 
too well to abridge our Bible rights." 

"When the whole country reeled as 

the lightning flashed through it the terrific word of the 
murder of the president, and we bowed in our sanctu- 



PRESCRIPTIVE NOT PROSCRIPTIVE. 369 

aries before the Sovereign Disposer of events, should 
we have stifled our hearts and uttered no supplications 
dictated by that event in his providence, crushing the 
heart of millions, and changing, for aught we knew, 
the whole current of our nation's fortunes? No earnest 
cries, that out of that darkness he would bring light; 
no litany, that the people might learn what he would 
teach them by that undreamed of reverse of his hand ? 
No prayer extraordinary for the magistrate suddenly 
lifted to supreme command, that he might be endowed 
with wisdom extraordinary for his new and tremendous 
responsibilities, and that he might call to him counsel- 
lors seeking counsel of God ? Nothing — nothing at all 
out of the ordinary routine, but the 'Prayer for Per- 
sons in Affliction,' commended to us on that occasion 
by our Diocesan ! " 

The above occurred thus: On the day following 
the Good Friday of Mr. Lincoln's assassination, there 
was a confirmation in Dr. Muhlenberg's Church of the 
Holy Communion, when he read the service. He asked 
the bishop's consent to a prayer suitable to the appall- 
ing circumstances, the thought of which filled every 
heart. The result was the direction stated, namely, to 
read the " Prayer for Persons in Affliction." Never- 
theless, his sanguine, upright heart comforted itself 
that "the church as w r ell as the earth does move. 
Evangelical Catholicism will be understood some of 
these days." 

In the year 1860, on the occasion of the restoration 

of the old Church of Augustus, at The Trappe, Pa., 
24 



370 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

founded by the Lutheran Patriarch Muhlenberg, Di\ 
Muhlenberg as great grandson to the latter, took part 
by invitation on the occasion. He delivered a sermon 
on the words, "The testimony of Jesus is the spirit 
of prophecy," but did not conduct the worship; cir- 
umstances closely parallel to those of the Good Friday 
service in the Presbyterian Church. Dr. Muhlenberg 
mentioned this fact in a note * to his " Letters," adding 
that both " Bishop Alonzo Potter, and Bishop Bowman 
had approved of his accepting the invitation, aware 
of the devotional services of the occasion being con- 
ducted by Lutheran clergymen." At the same time, 
to show, by a retrospective comparison, the striking 
growth of exclusive sentiment in our church, he makes 
an opportune quotation from an old record of the con- 
secration of Zion, another Lutheran Church of the Pa- 
triarch Muhlenberg's founding in 1769. This ancient 
church stood in the neighborhood of Fifth and Cherry 
Streets, Phila., and has only within a very few years 
been pulled down. The record to which Dr. Muhl- 
enberg refers says: u On the second day of the so- 
lemnities, the services were according to the Liturgy 
of the Church of England, and a sermon was preached 
by the Eev. Dr. Peters, a clergyman of that church, 
(one of the three ministers of Christ ■ Church and St. 
Peter's, Philadelphia). Several other Episcopal min- 
isters were present on the occasion, at the conclusion 
of which the Rector Muhlenberg, who had delivered 

* Ev. Oath. Papers, First Series. 



GROV/TH OF EXCLUSIVE SENTIMENT. 371 

the sermon the first day, addressed the congregation, 
and, in the name of the corporation of Zion Church, 
adverted to the many kind proofs of sympathy they had 
received during the three years in which they had wor- 
shipped in a building belonging to the Episcopalians, 
and the additional gratification they had just experi- 
enced in the services conducted by their Episcopal 
brethren/' 

The sermon preached by Dr. Muhlenberg, at the res- 
toration of the Church of Augustus, was an extended 
and carefully written Evangelical Catholic discourse 
from Rev. xix. 10. It was inscribed to his " dear broth- 
er in the ministry, and former college classmate, Chris- 
tian Frederick Cruse, in memory of countless hours of 
sweet converse on ' things pertaining to the Kingdom, 
and in testimony of wisdom and learning, alike meek 
and profound, disclosed only in such hours.' " 

In the month of October, 1865, death parted these 
bosom friends. Dr. Muhlenberg's journal has the fol- 
lowing entry: 

"Thursday, October 5th, 11^ p. m. I have just come 
from the death-bed of my beloved friend, Dr. Cruse. 
He has fallen asleep. So gently did he at last breathe 
his life away that we could not tell the moment he 
left us." 

In another place he says: "About three years ago 
I induced him, in consequence of his declining health, 
after much persuasion, to make his home with me. 
Since when we have been daily companions. We read 
together, we thought together, we conversed together 



372 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

each knowing each, more than men are wont to 

know one another. . . . He was my living com- 
mentator, better than any dead one on my shelves. I 
always found him at home in the most difficult texts, 
often original, yet strikingly natural in their interpre- 
tation. . . . He was profound in his affection for. 
the truth of God, but impatient of the traditions of 
men. . . . Simply and entirely a disciple of Christ. 
. . . Alas! for these hours of sweet communion 
no more on earth! what a blank has his departure 
made in my life. . . . None of the associations of 
the Hospital are dearer to me than that here was the 
last tarrying place of the scholar, the saint, and the 
sage, the beloved friend of more than fifty years, who, 
in the fulness of age, without the least decay of mind, 
here glided in heavenly slumber, to his rest among 
the beatified within the veil." 

Dr. Muhlenberg and Dr. Cruse were a pair of saints. 
They were very differently constituted, mentally and 
physically, but alike in unworldly simplicity, unself- 
ishness, self-sacrifice, and habitual communion with 
God. It was interesting to see them together, so op- 
posite, yet so harmonious: one so vivacious, the other 
so quiet, and mutually so frank and confiding. Some- 
times Dr. Muhlenberg would call Dr. Cruse his ci'use, 
out of which he got much oil. The Doctor was a 
learned linguist as well as theologian; the master of 
seven or eight languages. Again, the former would 
rally the old scholar on the advantage the college 
boys used to take of his absent-mindedness, when 



"MAY I CUT YOUR HEAD OFF?" 373 

"keeping the study," with some huge parchment tome 
before him. This was during his association with 
Dr. M. as a professor at St. Paul's College, and "keep- 
ing the study" was sitting in the large room to main- 
tain general order while the students prepared their 
lessons. 

On one of these occasions, the boys perceiving that 
their guardian was very far off, possibly on some 
Arabic or Coptic exploration, dared one of their num- 
ber to ask the most preposterous thing they could 
think of. Some unimportant preliminary requests be- 
ing made by one and another scholar, and all re- 
ceiving the invariable, "Yes, sir," the test question 
was put: 

"Dr. Cruse?" 

"Sir?" 

"If you please, may I cut your head off?" 

"Yes, sir," with the most innocently respectful bow. 

The room was in a roar, and the story ever after 
was a standing joke in the college. 

"You shouldn't tell tales out of school, Doctor," 
his friend added in the mildest manner; the Sisters, 
at whose table the story was told, meanwhile, laugh- 
ing heartily at the fun. 

Each of the friends had a gold watch stolen from 
him while in the Hospital: not a solitary instance of 
such sacrilege practised upon Dr. Muhlenberg, who 
could never be withheld from taking strange young 
men for prayer and counsel into his private room, 
nor from leaving them there if intermediately called 



374 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

off; so making an easy opportunity for the ill-dis- 
posed, and which, in several notable instances, was 
taken advantage of. Besides, both these excellent 
doctors had a habit of hanging their watches on a 
nail in the room, instead of carrying them on their 
persons. Close together, within a week perhaps, the 
two watches were taken, undoubtedly by the same 
hand. Dr. Muhlenberg, when he found his gone, said, 
" And it was my brother's. Ah, well! " and then went 
on to expatiate on his grief that the young man in 
whom he had felt so interested should have so disap- 
pointed him. Dr. Cruse had tender associations with 
his gold watch also. " Well, well ! it was given by my 
wife to our son," — both long dead, — " but ' Sic transit 
gloria mundu " The two friends were well paired in 
such matters. 

In the September preceding Dr. Cruse's death (1865), 
Dr. Muhlenberg wrote and circulated anonymously a 
paper of some four pages, entitled "An Olive Branch," 
pleading for the church in the South in view of the 
approaching General Convention. Widely as this fly- 
leaf was scattered the distribution was accomplished 
with such studious secrecy that its authorship w^as 
never known. As illustrative both of its author, and 
of the interesting times in which it was written, the 
paper is subjoined: 

"AN OLIVE BRANCH. 

"All Christians in the Northern and prosperous States 
of the Union, must sympathize in the sufferings at 



AN OLIVE BRANCH. 375 

the South occasioned by the recent war. As a war 
between brethren, between fellow-citizens and fellow- 
Christians, while we knew it to be as righteous as it 
was inevitable, we yet felt it to be so unnatural that 
at times we almost wished for peace on any terms. 
We dared not surrender the very being of the Nation 
and the dearest interests of humanity, and that rec- 
onciled us to what our souls abhorred. Of malice or 
hatred towards our self-made foes we were conscious 
we were entirely free. We resisted all rising feelings 
of revengefulness towards them, contending simply for 
the right and only because it was the right. 

"And now how shall we prove that we were thus 
single-hearted? How shall we prove that in our hos- 
tility there was no malignity — that in our antagonists 
. we had no personal enemies ? Obviously one, among 
other ways, is, to be forward in acts of good-will tow- 
ards them, generously to succor them in the distress of 
which they compelled us to be the cause, to help them 
all we can to repair the ravages of our armies bound 
on their work of death for the country's life ; and espe- 
cially to promote all the agencies and appliances for 
making their former race of bondmen a race of indus- 
trious freedmen. By these means let us show that 
our Christianity has survived the terrible ordeal; that 
the war, with all its enormities, has not depraved or 
hardened us; and that if we fought with the persist- 
ence ol men who welcomed their own rather than 
their country's death, it was all the while with the 
charity of Christian men. So, indeed, to a great ex- 



376 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

tent we are doing. Liberality in no stinted measures 
is flowing Southward. Let it flow on still more copi- 
ously. Next to providing for the brave men and their 
families, among ourselves, who have been disabled or 
bereaved by the war, this ministry to our brethren 
no longer in arms against us, might well be for the 
time a leading charity of the day. It requires more 
than the munificence of individuals, noble as that has 
already been. It requires co-operation and concert of 
action, which also it largely has — but to be thoroughly 
done it must have more of such action, especially in 
the religious and ecclesiastical field. This brings us 
to our present object, which is to suggest that the 
approaching General Convention of our church take 
early action in the matter, and adopt measures for 
interesting the congregations generally in the North- 
ern States in behalf of the wasted churches at the 
South. Why might there not be a Southern Church 
Aid Commission, with its branches north and west? 
Why should not the contribution- of liberal funds to 
such a commission, enabling it to act extensively, be 
set forth as a paramount obligation of loyal church- 
men, wdiose means the war has scarcely touched, and 
many of whom it has enriched ? Why should not the 
bishops make this one of the topics of their triennial 
pastoral? Some formal action of the kind proposed 
by the Convention would demonstrate that we are in 
earnest in desiring to heal the breach in Israel. It 
would do more than any thing else actually to heal 
that breach. In fact, it would be the right prelim- 



HOW BEST TO HEAL THE BREACH. 377 

inaiy measure towards a restoration of our ecclesi- 
astical unity. It would be a practical advance on 
our part towards that 4 consummation devoutly to be 
wished for'; and, further, what a worthy accompani- 
ment would it be of the thanksgivings of the Con- 
vention for the return of peace in the suppression of 
the rebellion, in the reunion of the States, and in the 
end of that which awhile rent them asunder. Nor 
let our zeal in so Christian a movement be dampened 
by such sentiments as appear in the recent letter of 
one of the Southern bishops. From his official posi- 
tion he may be regarded as the spokesman of the 
Southern Church. That would be a mistake. He does 
not, in all he says, utter the unanimous voice of the 
Clergy and Laity in the recently Confederate States.* 

* "They would not all so confront us with the memory 'especially 
of their 'beloved Polk.' To the question, 'whether he did right in 
again drawing the sword which he once had laid sheathed on the 
altar,' they would not all answer (as Bishop Elliott says he still does, 
by telling us that he is glad that his sermon on the death of Bishop 
Polk was republished in the Christian Witness), ' Yes— a thousand 
times, yes — in defence of the sacred trust of Slavery.' Leaving it to our 
own Christian delicacy not to 'disturb the ashes of^he dead,' they 
would not so peremptorily lay down the terms of fraternizing with 
us: 'not a word of obloquy or dispraise.' Nor do all our Southern 
brethren feel that returning to the Union is to 'submit to the yoke 
prepared 5 for them, coolly telling us that 'the struggle was forced 
upon' them, and that they did 'not rejoice' in the result. For the 
most part, however, Bishop Elliott's letter is sensible and just. Both 
sides will yet see eye to eye. In the meanwhile let us dwell on what, 
in due time, will bring us together, rather than on what would keep 
us apart." 



378 V/ILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

Letters have been received from Southern churchmen, 
breathing a very different spirit. However that may 
be, let us do our part. Let us stretch forth our hands 
with substantial peace-offerings; and that with no air 
of conscious magnanimity, but in Christian meekness 
and love, confessing it a privilege and a duty. By 
gracious and conciliatory words ; none, however, which 
would compromise our sense of the arch-heresy and 
schism of secession, or of our abomination of that 
which lay at the root of secession — by all kindly over- 
tures consistent with self-respect and conscious recti- 
tude, and yet in the spirit of our religion, let us show 
that we long to meet our separated brothers again, 
and with them once more to 'take sweet counsel to- 
gether and walk in the house of God as friends.' Thus 
let not the war be prolonged by war in the church. 
Thus let the world see that if we had to do battle 
even with those of the same household of faith, it was 
not in the spirit of the world; and thus let them also 
be convinced that in the hottest of the fight, we had 
no bitterness towards them in our hearts. If Chris- 
tendom has been shocked by fratricidal carnage within 
its borders, as wide and as dreadful as any on record, 
let it now see the compensation in a consequent and 
unparalleled out-pouring of fraternal benevolence; its 
waters, for being awhile dammed up, all the more 
rushing forth to fertilize the regions which from dread- 
ful necessity the fire and sword had laid waste. Be 
it that the war, considered in itself, has been one of 
the darkest pages in the history of the world; then 



CROWNING EVENT OF CONVENTION. 379 

let this sequel of the war, on our part, be one of the 
brightest and loveliest pages in the annals of the 
Church. 

"A Union Max m Church axd State. 

"Sept., 1865." 

The General Convention to which this missive was 
anticipatory met in St. Andrew's Church, Phila., and 
was in session from Oct. 4th to Oct. 24th (1865). "The 
crowning event of the Convention," says its official 
chronicler, " was the reunion of the church, which 
had been, in fact, separated by the independent action 
of the Southern dioceses during the civil war."* Pos- 
sibly Dr. Muhlenberg's loving " Olive Branch," by 
influencing the general sentiment, indirectly did its 
part towards this happy issue; but to what extent,, 
supposing that a fact, must be judged by those familiar 
with the working of men's minds at the time. 

* Perry's "Hand-book of the General Convention of the Prot. Epik 
Church." 



CHAPTER XXII. 

1865-1866. 

Keeps up with the Christian Thought of the Day. — Literary Ability. — 
" Christ and the Bible." — "The Woman and Her Accusers." — Ten years 
without Verse-making. — Later Compositions in Music and Poetry. — ■ 
Talent for Improvising. — Muhlenbergianoe. — Satire and Mimicry. — Old 
Quin. — Tact in Reproving. — "Deliver us from Evil." — Permission to go 
to the Theatre. — Ingenious Argument. — The Requiem Mass. — Fluctua- 
tions of Temper. — Portrait by Huntingdon. — Mr. Minturn's Death.— 
"The Poor Man's Friend and Mine." — Mr. Minturn's Distinguishing 
Traits. — Anecdote by Bishop Potter. — A Short Funeral Sermon. — The 
Hospital Burial Plot. 

While Dr. Muhlenberg's sympathies were thus keenly 
and practically alive to every issue of the time, vital to 
his fellow-men, his mind and intellect kept thoroughly 
up with the Christian thought of the day. The per- 
sonal cares and duties with which he burdened himself 
in developing his benevolent enterprises, allowed him 
nothing of the scholar's seclusion and literary absorp- 
tion. Nor, if he had possessed the leisure, was such 
his bent. Yet he read much and rapidly; not passing 
by probably any new publication worth reading on 
the subjects dearest to his heart, that is to say, which 
touched "the faith, the manhood, the freedom, the 
charity, of Christ's kingdom." He read very quickly, 



LITERARY ABILITY. 381 

possessing himself almost intuitively of the mind of 
his author, and marking numerous passages for re- 
perusal, before it would seem possible he could have 
glanced at them. The activity of his pen through the 
busy years of the Church of the Holy Communion and 
St. Luke's Hospital is also striking, though he never 
elaborated continuous volumes. His prose writings 
throughout consist of thoughtful essays, or discourses 
bearing upon the religious, moral, or social questions 
of the day; and more particularly those comprehended 
in the Memorial to the House of Bishops. A lighter 
production was his "Retro-prospectus," or, as it is some- 
times called, "Dream of St. Johnland," in 186-4, wherein 
his latent graphic and dramatic power has, in a simple 
way, a very congenial field, admirably and charmingly 
occupied. 

"As an accomplished man of letters," writes one, 
whose beautiful portraiture of his revered friend has 
been more than once referred to in these pages,* "he 
stands in the best ranks of our clergy. His writings 
show a clearness of thought, as well as a simple grace 
of style, rarely surpassed. Yet his was not properly 
the mind of the theologian or the scholar. He had, 
indeed, a living interest in the scriptural and doctrinal 
inquiries which employ the intellect of our time. I 
can give no better example than his essay on inspira- 
tion, published under the title "Christ and the Bible," 
where he maintained what has been called the dy- 

* Rev. Dr. E. A. Washburn, in his sermon after Dr. Muhlenberg's 
decease. 



382 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

namic view, instead of the mechanical one of our past 
theology. His position is abreast of the most scientific 
thought on that hard question; but the practical tone 
of his reasoning, clear as a brook, so that the simplest 
can read it, and yet more, his glowing faith in Christ, 
show his mental quality. There was, as in all such 
minds, a wonderful insight .... a moral vision that 
grasped at once the conclusions which the logician 
reaches by ' long marches. . . . His intellect was 
bathed in the love of Christ; and withal so honest, so 
straightforward, so free from sophistry or dogmatic 
narrowness, that his listeners rose always with enlarged 
thought and with a sweeter spirit. Nor was he, again, 
a giant in the pulpit, like a Bossuet or Lacordaire. He 
had the inspiration that is greater than art, and of- 
ten rises to eloquence. Many will recall his sermons, 
brimming with fresh thought, with the tenderness of 
Christ's heart, and that quaint yet reverent humor so 
akin to his cheerful nature. What better model have 
we of chaste power than his discourse on the woman 

amid the Pharisees? " 

•This last, a remarkable sermon entitled "The Wom- 
an and her Accusers," was originally preached to a 
congregation of men only, in the Church of the Holy 
Communion, to aid, by means of a subsequent collec- 
tion, the pioneer efforts of the late Mrs. Sarah Kich- 
mond for the rescue of fallen women. It was after- 
wards modified somewhat, and delivered to the usual 
mixed congregations of several of the churches of New 
York and Brooklyn, for the benefit of the Midnight 



ABHORRENCE OF QUARTETTES. 383 

Mission, to which it brought considerable revenue. A 
lecture on Congregational Singing, " a specimen of his 
delightful humor and delicate irony," wherein he ex- 
presses his abhorrence of a quartette, did not accom- 
plish as much as he hoped for, in that towards which 
it was directed.* 

In the Christmas Ballad to his school-sons on the 
occasion of their gift of the picture, described in a 
previous chapter, he tells them that he had scarcely 
penned a rhyme since they were boys at school; and 
it is rather a remarkable fact that, from his surrender 
of St. Paul's College to the opening of St. Luke's 
Hospital, an interval of more than ten years, there 
was an almost entire suspension of his accustomed 
verse-making, and of the correspondent musical com- 
positions; but in the year 1859, the gift seemed to pos- 
sess him anew, and with superior force, both as to 
poesy and music, some of his strongest verses and 
best musical productions being composed within the 
next decade. 

In a little published collection of his verses, there are 
five pieces in succession dated 1859. The most inter- 
esting of these are: " Lines to a dear friend recently de- 
prived of her sight," " Come follow me," and a " Letter 
paternal to two school-sons about to become church fa- 
thers," that is, to Bishop Bedell and Bishop Odenheimer, 
who were consecrated on the same day.f About the 

* See "Ev. Cath. Papers, Second Series." 

t See, "I would not live alway, and other Verses." A. D. F. Ban- 
dolph and Co., N. Y. 



384 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

same time lie composed his fine congregational Te 
JDeum; and a sweet tune which he called "St. Ber- 
nard," designing it for the words "Jesus, the very 
thought of thee." Of his compositions of this period, 
of music and words combined, the following are the 
chief: "The Eepublican Battle Hymn and Choral 
March," the "President's Hymn," the "Advent Cho- 
ral," the "St. Johnland Vespers, or Shades of Even- 
ing," and the "Christmas Choral, or Glorious Birthday." 

Next, in the order of time, to this last, was his evan- 
gelized version of " I would not live alway," described 
in the history of the original hymn.* It was written 
in the year 1871. The first three verses of this are 
given in fac-simile, on the opposite page. 

He was always addicted to impromptu rhyming. 
Verses and couplets, epigrammatic or proverbial, were 
constantly improvised on some passing occurrence, or 
in connection with the subject of conversation at the 
moment. Here is one penned for a brother clergyman, 
in a conversation on the opposition of Science to 
Revelation. 

"IMPROMPTU TO A PHILOSOPH. 

" Jesus Christ was here below. 
He died — he rose — and that to know, 
Tho' nothing more, would be enow 
For faith to live upon and grow — 
Our Gospel minimum doth so 
More than your maximum bestow." 

* Seepage 71. 



^O 'Vv^vrv^J^* fWt/C \^^-*- OlXv>o ft*^ 5 tf Gi _ 






^VaTV 






MUHLENBERGIANJB, 387 

The various circumstances giving rise to^the follow- 
ing are easily imagined: 

"0 take thee heed, and never say, 
I have too much to do to pray, 
Lest half thy work be thrown away, 
And thou at last lose all thy pay." 

"Poverty's mite 
With the Lord is all right, 
For 'tis poverty's might; 
But when wealth gives a mite, 
It is vile in his sight." 

"When an editor's shears 
Clip bits from another, 
And no credit appears, 

Sheer theft, ain't it, brother?" 

"I guess it will all come right; 
Eemember we don't walk by sight; 
In small things as well as in great 
With the patience of faith we must wait." 

"Gathered round the plenteous table, 
While we own how blest we are, 
Make us glad, as we are able, 
With the poor our loaves to share." 

"Saith Pauper to Dives, *I fear that too great 
Is the bulk of your gold for the needle-eyed gate.' 
Said Dives to Pauper, 'And you, with your pride, 
Tho' ragged, too swollen for getting inside.'" 

"As straight to her harbor the steam vessel glides, 

Tho' dead in her face beat the winds and the tides; 

So, duty-ward bound, in yourself have the force, 

''Gainst all forces without), for your right onward course." 
25 



388 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG, 

,"In seeking favor, Lord, with thee, 
This is my only, only plea: 
Thou art well pleas e'd with thy Son, 
And I, by faith, with him am one." 

Many pages might be filled with these disjecta mem* 
7 )ra. Dr. Muhlenberg used to laugh at the friend who, 
when she could catch them, never failed to jot them 
down for future application, calling them her Muhlen- 
bergiance. The matter so preserved often proved useful 
in filling chinks in the columns of the Evangelical Cath- 
olic, and Brotherly Words. 

His mirthful nature and bright, sportive ways added 
many a charm to the intrinsic value of his companion- 
ship. He had, also, no small power for satire and mim- 
icry; the first of these he kept in severe control, care- 
fully avoiding every use of it that might wound or 
irritate; and constantly chiding himself when he found 
he had fallen into too sarcastic a vein; the latter, 
mimicry, he never deliberately indulged in. Occasion- 
ally an exhibition would involuntarily flash out, reveal- 
ing the hidden talent. One day, at a meeting in his 
house, of a benevolent society of the Church of the 
Holy Communion, some one asked about u Old Quin." 
Said " Quin " was a curious, wizen-faced old pensioner, 
with ragged hair, shaggy eyebrows, and a strange dac- 
tyl and spondee gait that threw first one shoulder up 
to his ears and then the other. {, He was here this 

morning," said Dr. M , and in an instant " Old 

Quin" crossed the floor in front of the company — 
"0!d Quin" to the life, — nothing of Dr. Muhlenberg 



OLD QUIN. 389 

remained. It was a complete metamorphosis, and, ap- 
preciating the physical contrast between the personi- 
fier and the personified, marvellous. "A loud smile" 
from those present and "Old Quin" vanished. The pas- 
tor, with unusual gravity, resumed business, adding 
something possibly to the old man's next gratuity by 
way of atonement. 

He had much delicate tact in the difficult duty of 
Christian reproof, though he invariably dreaded the ex- 
ercise of it. Sometimes the interview with one, whom 
he had desired to see for this purpose, would be so in- 
teresting and pleasant that none but agreeable emo- 
tions were excited while in his presence. Afterwards, 
and revolving what had passed, as few would find 
themselves able to avoid doing after such a conversa- 
tion, the other party would see plainly that he had 
been helped to sift himself thoroughly, and was unmis- 
takably rebuked. 

A little farther on than the time of which we are 
speaking, that is, on the day when the arrest of the 
arch-peculator Tweed, at Vigo, was cabled to Xew 
York, while seated at tea with the Sisters, one of the 
family entered, who told the rest of the capture. A 
ripple of laughter went round the table and was fol- 
lowed by more of talk about certain mal-feasances than 
was at all common to that company. 

He looked uneasy, and hurrying the conclusion of 
the meal, added emphatically, after the usual thanks 
for the repast: "And may the Lord deliver us from 
evil!" 



390 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

Not another word was said, but every Sister pres- 
ent understood and heeded the reproof. 

Again: one of the young men employed in the Hos- 
pital, asking permission of Dr. Muhlenberg to go to 
Booth's Theatre, received rather a stern refusal. Some 
time later, probably after informing himself what the 
performance of the evening was to be, Dr. Muhlenberg 
said to him, " You can go and see Booth to-night, but 
say nothing about it in the house." 

"Keturning towards midnight," said the young man, 
"the Doctor himself opened the door to me. He had 
waited up two hours beyond his usual time of retiring 
that the circumstance might not be known, and this 
so impressed me, that I never again wished for the 
theatre." 

He had an innocently artful way of pushing home an 
argument, sometimes without any discussion of it. An 
old friend and much respected brother clergyman, 
whose exclusive church views had in past times been 
the subject of many a friendly brush between the two, 
after visiting a parishioner at the Hospital, stopped to 
say good-by to the Pastor. The latter, with a cordial 
grasp of the hand, referring to a conversation of some 
time back, said, " Doctor, what is your idea now of 
our church's place in the great gathering above ? " 

" Why," replied the good man, " I believe it will be 
this way: Episcopalians in the first circle around the 
throne, and Presbyterians next, and so on." 

"Then you do expect other Christians to be there 
too, only not in so much honor." 



FLUCTUATION OF SPIRITS. 391 

"Yes." 

" Well, then, since after all there's a possibility of so 
much closeness in heaven, wouldn't it be well to be- 
come a little acquainted on earth?" 

Again: one of his former pupils, seceding to Rome, 
had joined the Paulist Fathers. He was a lovely, 
saintly man, and for some time the regular visitor to 
St. Luke's when Roman Catholic patients desired the 
ministrations of their church. At his death, the fra- 
ternity invited Dr. Muhlenberg, as an old friend, to at- 
tend a requiem mass for the repose of his soul. Dr. 
Muhlenberg, in declining the invitation, assured the 
superior of the house that he was so satisfied the soul 
of the departed was in repose in Paradise that there 
would be no meaning in his uniting with them on 
the occasion named. 

With such a temperament as Dr. Muhlenberg's, some 
fluctuation of spirits was unavoidable. A high-tide of 
feeling one day, inevitably brought an ebb-tide later, 
and sometimes he disappointed people by a certain va- 
riableness of humor, or perhaps simply that he was 
not so delightful in a certain interview as on some 
previous occasion. He had his moods of abstraction 
too. Pre-occupation with some nascent scheme might 
occasionally have explained them, particularly as re- 
garded his manner to strangers, but not always. Like 
other sons of Adam, the dust of his native clod would 
now and again settle on the sunshiny sweetness of 
his ordinary temper. 

This change of mood or gathering up within himself, 



392 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

so to name it, was, whether an infirmity or not, often - 
a help and protection to him, in his intercourse with 
the vast number and variety of persons with whom, in 
the course of his Christian and benevolent enterprises, 
he was brought in contact. His sympathetic and en- 
thusiastic nature, would, not unfrequently, throw itself 
into the wishes and feelings of one seeking his aid or 
counsel, to a degree, which, on after reflection, seemed 
unwise. At the next interview there would be a 
cloudiness or distance, perhaps, and the other party, 
thrown back upon himself, would feel some disappoint- 
ment; but wherever there were earnestness, reality, and 
strength of purpose enough to prompt an endurance of 
his apparent coolness, and to persevere in the genuine 
purpose for which the interview was sought, there 
would come a reaction, unlimited in its kind encour- 
agement. On the other hand, if there was nothing 
stable in the person who at first so interested him, it 
thus became apparent. Thus, whether voluntary or 
involuntary on Dr. Muhlenberg's part, this "way" of 
his was often very serviceable; notwithstanding he was, 
by reason of it, sometimes charged with changeableness. 
In the year 1865, Mr. Cyrus Curtiss, one of the Vice 
Presidents of St. Luke's, proposed to Mr. Minturn, to 
present a portrait of Dr. Muhlenberg, by Huntingdon, 
to the Trustees for the Hospital. Mr. Minturn, in the 
name of his peers, accepted the agreeable and valuable 
gift, and Dr. Muhlenberg was prevailed upon to sit 
for his likeness, but stipulated that during his lifetime 
Mr. Curtiss should keep the painting in his own house ; 



"THE POOR MAN'S FRIEND AND MINE:' 393 

an arrangement which was not set aside until the Pas- 
tor reached his eightieth birthday. A few months after 
this negotiation respecting Dr. Muhlenberg's portrait, 
Mr. Minturn was taken suddenly away. On the 9th of 
January, 1866, he was seized with apoplexy, and ex- 
pired in a few hours. Dr. Muhlenberg did not know 
of his illness until he was dead. It w^as a great shock, 
for the two men loved each other. There were many 
sympathies in common between the Evangelical Cath- 
olic Doctor and the princely Christian merchant, and 
the essential tie that bound them to each other was 
beautifully indicated in the dedicatory words of the 
first St, Johnland pamphlet (1864) thus: "To Robert 
B. Minturn, the Poor Man's Friend and Mine." 

The death of Mr. Minturn took a joy out of the 
Hospital Pastor's life. In the initiation of St. Luke's 
the two had grown closer together, and Dr. Muhl- 
enberg often found it a refreshment, after his ear- 
liest morning duties, to "run down," as he would 
phrase it, to Twelfth St. and Fifth Avenue, for a 
word with his friend on some of those many schemes 
for the good of their fellow-men, in which they were 
mutually interested. Mr. Minturn, though actively en- 
gaged^ in commercial business, never wearied in works 
of practical benevolence. His thoughtful head and 
large heart were given to such, with the greatest 
earnestness and sincerity, even in his hours of relaxa- 
tion from the counting-house, and he was extensively 
occupied in helping forward or governing a vast variety 
of agencies for the benefit of the poor and afflicted. 



394 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

"The loss," wrote Dr. Muhlenberg, "seems irrepara- 
ble. Who can repair it? Who now will be our fore- 
most man in enterprises of good? To whom now shall 
we go first in any new project of humanity? Who 
now shall be the head to grace the Hospital (St. 
Luke's), to which his munificence was the first pledge 
of its success, and of which he has ever been the po- 
tential friend? Who now will see that the funds 
never fail of that vast organization, 'The Society for 
Improving the Condition of the Poor,' spreading its 
network of discriminating charity over the whole of 
the metropolis? Who will be his successor, with his 
adamantine integrity, in places where, alas, such virtue 
is rare?" 

There was a brimming-over pitifulness in Mr. Min- 
turn's nature. Dr. Muhlenberg related that, on one 
occasion, walking "down town" with him, in earnest 
conversation, he said abruptly, in his rapid, eager man- 
ner, "Stop, Doctor! Stop a minute." At a short dis- 
tance, was a poor little calf, apparently but a day or 
two old, tottering and staggering between the vehicles 
that thronged the street in the vain attempt to keep 
up with its mother; she, poor thing, being also urged 
beyond her natural speed by a cruel driver. Dr.JVluhl- 
enberg watched Mr. Minturn cross to the corner of 
the street where stood a wagon fit to carry the little 
animal. The good man had it gently lifted in, put 
some money into the cartman's hand, and then return- 
ing, without comment to Dr. Muhlenberg, resumed 
their talk. 



"SO did he:' 395 

Dr. Muhlenberg would sometimes descant warmly 
on Mr. Minturn's remarkable, even painful, sense of 
the responsibility of wealth, largely and munificently 
as he gave of his, in all benevolent ways. '"How 
hardly shall they that have riches enter the kingdom 
of heaven' he thought a fearful text." 

Again: "Bishop Potter related to me," said Dr. 
Muhlenberg, "as we rode home together from the fu- 
neral, that on one occasion when he was on a visit at 
Mr. Minturn's house in the country, he happened, at 
family prayer, to open the Bible at the parable of 
Dives and Lazarus, which he accordingly read. 'After 
dinner on that day/ said the bishop, ' when we were 
alone, Mr. Minturn recurred to it, observing it was a 
passage of Scripture which often alarmed him. "A 
very solemn one, indeed," I replied, and in explain- 
ing the true import of it, remarked that it was not 
a terror to the rich who give as they should of their 
riches. "Ah," he at once rejoined, "what do any of 
us give but 'the crumbs,' bishop?'"" 

Dr. Muhlenberg, who took part with the bishop in 
the funeral of his friend, gave out as his text for a 
sermon on the occasion, these words from the Prophet 
Micah (vi. 8) — "He hath showed thee, man, what 
is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but 
to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly 
with thy God?" The sermon was doubtless one of the 
shortest on record, consisting of simply three words, 
emphatically uttered, " So Did He." Nothing more. 

Mr. Minturn had lived to see St. Luke's an acknowl- 



396 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

edged success. It stood eminently before the church 
and the world, and in virtue of the high medical and 
surgical talent sedulously secured for it, achieved, in 
its main office and capacity, distinguished results. But 
among the thousands upon thousands sheltered and 
succored by its charities, have been hundreds who were 
taken in, only that they might have a comfortable and 
Christian place to die in; and a " God's acre" for the 
burial of such was from the beginning an appendage 
of the Institution. 

There remain some striking reflections of Dr. Muhlen- 
berg's with regard to this. He writes: "Some time 
ago I had occasion to visit St. Michael's graveyard, the 
cemetery beyond Astoria, where the remains of some 
two hundred of our departed lie interred. As I stood 
on the Hospital plot, it was a time for searchings of 
heart; all here in these rows of hillocks had been 
under my ministerial charge. Conscience asked — How 
had I fulfilled it? And did conscience answer as my 
heart then wished? There were whispers within of 
reproach for opportunities always at hand but not 
always used. They were accusations of the spirit not 
to be silenced. What could they awaken but humility 
and regrets, painful, yet I hope not unfruitful, and 
the same prayer for pardon that had come from the lips 
of the poorest sinner, whose dust and ashes were be- 
neath my feet? Still — still there was the consolation 
that every one of these had heard the Gospel message 
as clearly as I knew how to utter it. In the Scripture 
readings and exhortations, in words that all could 



TRUE TO ITS MOTTO. 397 

understand, and be heard by all in their beds as well 
as by those before me, morning after morning, in the 
wards, besides the familiar sermons in the Chapel, in 
the texts constantly before their eyes, and in the books 
at their side, in the words of evangelic love from their 
Sister attendants — if in these they did not learn the 
way of salvation, and lay hold of the hope set before 
them, it was because their instructed ears were not the 
avenues to their hearts. With all the short-comings 
of its ministers, St, Luke's has been a Bethesda, not to 
the outer man alone. While I feel, my Master knows, 
far more of humiliation at what I have left undone in 
the Hospital than of complacency at aught I have done 
for it or in it ; while I am sure this is the feeling, more 
or less, of all my associates in spiritual labor, it would 
be wronging the grace of God, not to acknowledge 
the many signs of his blessing, and thankfully to rejoice 
in what he has enabled us to do. The Hospital has not 
ignored its motto: ' Corpus Sanare Animam Saluare. 1 " 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

1866-1869. 

St. Johnland. Begun. — The Benjamin of his Works. — The "Retro-pro- 
spectus." — Christian Fatalism. — Purchase of Farm. — Asks ten more 
Years. — A valued Birthday Gift. — His Golden Wedding. — Letter Con- 
gratulatory and Retrospective. — Funds for St. Johnland. — Tact and 
Principle in Money Matters. — The Spencer and Wolfe Home. — Three 
Thousand a Year. — St. Johnland's Gaudy Day. — "Glorious Birthday." 
■=— "Brotherly Words." — Foundation of St. John's Inn. — The Boys' 
House. — Church of the Testimony of Jesus. — Munificent Friends. — 
Laying Corner-Stone of Church. — Declaration of Evangelical Catholic 
Principles . — Verses . 

Dr. Muhlenberg was in his seventieth year when he 
began St. Johnland, but u his eye was not dim nor his 
natural force abated." His hair had become snowy 
w T hite, and there was a slight stoop at the shoulders, 
but he retained remarkably his freshness of spirits and 
general alertness of bearing. A friend commenting 
about this time, on the rapidity with which he went 
from his study on the entrance floor of the Hospital to 
the upper wards of the great house, he said, "It will 
be all over with me, when I can't run upstairs;" and 
he still took his walk of a mile before his half-past six 
o'clock breakfast. He had ascertained how many cir- 
cuits of the Hospital grounds made a mile, and would 
make the necessary number of rounds for this amount 



THE RETRO-PROSPECTUS. 399 

of exercise, marking the count with a stroke of his stick 
upon the stone abutment of the portico. This was long 
his habit. 

St. Johnland was the Benjamin of his numerous 
works, and had a Benjamin's portion of his affections. 
The idea of some such embodiment of Evangelical 
Brotherhood was in his mind long before it took sub- 
stantial form, dating almost as far back as the Declara- 
tion of the House of Bishops upon the Memorial (1856). 

There was the same spontaneity and naturalness in 
the origin of this Church Village, that we have seen 
in his other creations. As the thought of St. Luke's 
Hospital was inspired at the beginning of the Church 
of the Holy Communion, by his contact with the sick 
poor in their miserable lodging-places, so his concep- 
tion of a St. Johnland grew out of his daily observation, 
as a clergyman and philanthropist, of the sore disad- 
vantages of the city poor, in their tenement -house 
abodes; and, concomitant with this, of his desire to 
present to the church a living exemplification of the 
principles of the Memorial, or Evangelical Catholicism. 

The embryo thought clothed itself in divers visions 
more or less akin to the picturing of the "Ketro-pro- 
spectus," * years before he resorted to that pleasing and 
ingenious method of presenting his ideal in print. He 
found it difficult to make even those nearest to him 
fully apprehend what he had in his mind. Clearly as 
he wrote, he was not always equally clear in conveying 

* See Ev. Cath. Papers, First Series. 



400 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

by word of mouth, the scope and bearing of a new con- 
ception. His habit of uttering half sentences, and of 
abruptly breaking into gestures, induced by some eager 
thought, reaching far beyond what he was saying, was 
not favorable to explicitness in such cases. Besides, 
unique and without precedent as was his St. Johnland 
scheme, it might well demand some such graphic pre- 
representation as he drew with artistic pen in the pam- 
phlet alluded to. 

The " Retro-prospectus " consists of two letters sup- 
posed to be written by one visiting the place ten years 
after its foundation, and in them is presented to the 
reader, in the most natural and life-like manner, a 
living, breathing, ideal St. Johnland, full of healthful 
activity and Christian beneficence, such as he con- 
ceived the actual would be when thoroughly estab- 
lished. The pamphlet is pleasant reading, if only as a 
fresh, beautifully drawn picture of Christian socialism. 

"Oh, Doctor, you are a dreamer in this thing," had 
been said, in substance to him, over and over again, 
by friends and brethren, as he tried to tell them what 
he meant to do. So he quaintly took as the motto 
of his "Retro-prospectus," "Your old men shall dream 
dreams," Acts ii. 17. And when so much of a por- 
traiture, as he thought it necessary to anticipate his 
work with, was completed, he added naively: "Thave 
told my dream." Then, from these words, he proceeds, 
urgently and eloquently, to plead through terrible facts 
in the social condition of our city poor for means for 
its realization: 



A FEARFUL REALITY. 401 

11 Shall it be no more than a dream ? 

" Before answering the question, my Christian read- 
er, to whom I be 2: to address it, allow me to ask you 
to look at that which is no dream. Let me turn your 
eves to that which exists in no aerial regions of the 
brain, but in regions earthly enough and not miles 
away from your own doors. Look at those quarters 
of your city where the people herd by fifties and 
hundreds in a house, street after street. Look at them 
huddled together in narrow rooms with surroundings 
and effluvia where a half-hour's stay would sicken 
you. See places which might rather be stalls or sties 
than human abodes. Look at the swarms of children 
in the streets, on the stoops, at the windows, half- 
naked or in unwashed rags. See the crowds of rough, 
half-grown boys in knots 'at the corners, quick at all 
sorts of wickedness, loud in foulness and blasphemy, 
the ready and the worst element of your riots. Mark 
the looks and the talk of the populace of the dram- 
shops, and then the exhibitions of godlessness, drunken- 
ness, and licentiousness on the Lord's day, turning it, I 
had almost said, into Satan's day. And why do I ask 
you to look at such a revolting state of things among 
those thousands of your neighbors ? In the hope that 
aught which you or I can do will better it? To pro- 
pose any scheme for its material improvement ? Alas, 
no. The evil is too gigantic for any grasp * of reform 
at all conceivable. It calls for legislative interfer- 
ence; and that, could any practicable mode of me- 
lioration be shown, would call for more public virtue 



402 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

than exists. This massing of human beings, prolific 
of those vices and miseries, is profitable to too many- 
pockets. The exorbitant rents of the smallest dens 
or of the larger tenements swell the gains of landlords, 
who have the plea for any amount of rapacity, that 
they only meet a demand. Their receptacles overflow 
with those who must have stopping-places where they 
can get their bread. The insular city can not be ex- 
panded into space for any fit or healthful housing of 
the poor in those quarters of it where they must con- 
sort.* This stowage of souls and bodies — our munici- 
pal disgrace — is, I fear, a necessity — in view of its 
terrible evils, a dire necessity — how dire we have not 
yet seen. 

" Our benevolent, reformatory, and religious agencies 
do not stand aloof. They work on with a persistent 
zeal, encouraged by the least success; but any thing 
like the elevation of a whole locality is beyond their 
hopes. They can not change circumstances and their 
inevitable consequences. They can not remove causes, 
and, of course, not effects. What they do to-day is 
undone to-morrow, to be done again the next day, 
and then again undone. The good seed is persever- 
ingly sown, but the field is already rank with tares. 
The means of salvation are proffered and urged, but 
amid overpowering means of destruction. The nox- 
ious physical and moral are ever acting and reacting 

* Unlike Philadelphia, with innumerable separate domiciles for its 
laboring and mechanic population — the chief beauty of that beautiful 
city. 



NOT RECONCILED TO IT. 403 

with cumulative force. The cleanliness which is next 
to godliness, among the degraded poor finds no place. 
In filth sin is in its element, and has its most disgust- 
ing outgrowths. 

" Again, then, why do I ask you to look at a state 
of things confessedly so hopeless? Hopeless in the 
aggregate, but not in the particulars. It would be 
sad, indeed, if in our dark delineation it was all dark ; 
dreadful, if in those masses of humanity it was all 
vile. But it is not. There are green spots even in 
those deserts, and doubtless far more than we see. 
The forbidding aspects do not indicate universally 
corresponding facts. There are exceptions, and often 
most interesting ones. Every here and there are in- 
dividuals and families having a keen sense of the 
wretchedness of their condition, but powerless to es- 
cape it. Many of them once used to other modes of 
life, while they submit to their lot, yet for its worse 
than temporal ills can not be reconciled to it. Stran- 
gers to aught of domestic comfort, they are unrepining 
yet not without longings for the sweets and decencies 
of home. They are parents, and can not be indifferent 
to the perils of their offspring. They are hard workers. 
They are above begging, and to keep above it they 
must live as and where they do. For the sake of 
these it is I show you those hapless multitudes — these 
among" them, yet not of them; these toiling, suffering 
poor; these Christians steadfast amid unchristian in- 
fluences and antichristian forces which would try a 

more enlightened faith than theirs; these fellow-mem- 
26 



404 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG, 

% 

bers of the household of faith, perchance of your own 
particular communion. To the rescue of these and 
theirs, whom they love as you love yours, I invoke 
you. For these I beg Christian homes and privileges, 
and some little share of family enjoyments, to which 
you can not think they have forfeited every right. 
You will not say that their poverty is their righteous 
excommunication. To show how they may be res- 
cued, I have dreamed of them, transplanted by your 
bounty, to where they can live, and not merely exist. 
I have pictured their colony, with its accessories, such 
as I have long pleased myself with imagining, and 
as time might bring forth. Whether it is all likely to 
be realized, whether some of the forms of the vision 
are not fond fancies rather than probable future facts, 
matters not. Set down as much as you please to the 
score of imagination; amend, change, curtail as you 
will, only saving the one main idea — a Christian in- 
dustrial community, a rural settlement in which the 
worthy, diligent poor may have becoming abodes, with 
the means and rewards of diligence, together with 
the provisions of the Gospel — will that be dismissed 
as a dream? 

"It can not be. It is not to be conceived of Chris- 
tians who are in the midst of plenty, encompassed 
by a gracious and bountiful Providence, having' scarce 
a wish within the wide limits of their means ungrati- 
fied, and acknowledging their responsibility for the 
use of their manifold gifts and opportunities, that they 
will turn aside from a practical philanthropy com- 



WAITING, 405 

mending itself, so entirely as this must, to their minds 
and hearts: a scheme not to increase, but to lessen 
the numbers of dependents upon alms-giving; not to 
encourage and so multiply the indolent poor, but to 
help them to help themselves; to lift them up to an 
honest independence; to give them what on any scale 
of Christian justice is their due; to save them from 
ever struggling in vain; to extricate them from ne- 
cessities binding them hand and foot, a prey to wretch- 
edness, sorely tempting them to seek relief in sin; to 
give a brotherly hand to them, amid all their homeli- 
ness, as to brothers and sisters in Christ. A scheme 
not for to-day or to-morrow, but to make virtuous 
and happy generations of those who else would swell 
the generations of vice and misery in this metropolis, 
where they are already so frightfully augmenting. " 

The foregoing suffices to show the impulse and aim 
of his project. He scattered the pamphlet far and 
wide, and awaited the result. Some friends in sympa- 
thy with him, interested themselves in drawing his 
attention to places they deemed suitable in the way of 
a site for his village. He visited such in New Jersey, 
Connecticut, and elsewhere, but none of them met his 
quest. No direct effort was made by means of ad- 
vertisement or real estate agents to find what he 
sought. He used to say that for none of his undertak- 
ings had he prayed so much, from first to last, as for 
St. Johnland, and that no one of them had he offered 
to God with more singleness of aim or in more confi- 
dent faith. So he waited. 



406 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

He manifested always a most devout recognition of 
Divine Providence, yet was, withal, something of a 
Christian fatalist. This would reveal itself in many lit- 
tle ways. If two signal events of a kind occurred in 
quick succession, he would predict another, for " things 
go by threes " ; and to a friend suffering under an ex- 
traordinary personal trial, he said: "Some great favor 
is coming to you." One day, towards the close of the 
year 1865, he observed: "I am impressed that I am 
going to hear something good for St. Johnland," and 
within a very little while it followed that his attention 
was directed to the beautifully diversified and secluded 
domain which makes the present settlement. 

The estate now comprises an area of between five 
and six hundred acres. The original farm consisted of 
four hundred and twenty-five acres. Two thirds of this 
was woodland and salt meadow, and the remainder 
arable land, but in so exhausted a condition as to be 
useless for tillage without much outlay. 

It chanced that all Dr. Muhlenberg's greater works, 
as to locality, w r ere begun in a region of desolate waste, 
leaving room for his Christianity, literally as well as 
spiritually, to make the wilderness "blossom as the 
rose." In the present instance, the fields were wholly 
bare for want of fertilization, the few farm buildings 
were dilapidated, fences there were none, and the no- 
blest trees in the grove were chalk-marked for felling. 
Dr. Muhlenberg was only just in time to save these 
ancient forest oaks and elms, the pride of the do- 
main, from the woodman's axe. His observant eye at 



THE PURCHASE. 407 

once took in the adaptability of the place for his pur- 
pose, and a single glance from the wood-crowned bluff, 
northward of the estate, to the Sound washing up at its 
foot, settled the question definitively. It happened to 
be high-tide when he first visited this point, a material 
circumstance in the picturesqueness of the scene. The 
view, always pleasing, is at this state of the tide, and 
under a mid-day sun, nothing less than entrancing — 
the blue waters flashing into beryl, topaz, and ame- 
thyst, like a very sea of jewels, and then, in rich con- 
trast, leading the eye to the sombre green of the thick 
cedars that mantle the jutting slope from summit to 
base. 

The beauty-loving mind and fatherly heart of Dr. 
Muhlenberg was enraptured. Here were all sorts of 
pleasures and delights for his coming St. Johnlanders. 
To the west the waters set in between a long narrow 
peninsula and the shore, and made a safe, sheltered, 
and commodious creek for bathing, swimming, and 
other water sports ; and what opportunities for healthful 
enjoyments of many kinds did not the rare old grove, a 
mile or more in stretch, offer for young and old of his 
anticipated colony. So, nothing daunted by the brier- 
grown, neglected aspect of the farm, nor its remoteness 
from any centre — at that time it was ten miles distant 
from the nearest railroad terminus — nor by the task be- 
fore him of raising funds for the whole enterprise, he at 
once negotiated for the purchase. 

The terms of this were very easy, owing to the 
wasted condition of the land and the eagerness of the 



408 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

owners to sell ; and a number of gentlemen readily sub* 
scribed in equal, shares to meet the cost, * and thus St. 
Johnland had, at last, an existence upon terra firma. 

Co-incident with the acquisition of the estate, Dr. 
Muhlenberg entered into relations with an intelligent 
Christian man, a superior proof-reader and master print- 
er, who had been benevolently attracted by the scheme 
of a church industrial community, and was ready for 
an engagement to teach poor children the art of type- 
setting and to help generally in the work. Thus was 
providentially opened the way for an important indus- 
try from the beginning, and together with this was 
supplied the services of a business agent and local su- 
perintendent for the first three years of the enterprise. 
In the spring of 1866 the work of renovation began. 
Some fields were put under cultivation, and within a 
few months a suitable printing-office was erected by a 
contribution from one of the purchasers of the farmf 
which was followed later by two cottages from two 
other friends. $ 

A circumstance occurred at St. Johnland in the 
spring of 1867, which was remembered later with some 
emotion. Dr. Muhlenberg walking about the place one 

* These were Robert B. Minturn, Adam Norrie, William H. Aspin- 
wall, John Caswell, Franklin F. Randolph, J. Fisher Sheafe, Percy R. 
Pyne, and John H. Swift; while for general purposes Mr. John David 
Wolfe and Mr. John P. Williams gave respectively five thousand dollars 
each. 

f The late Mr. F. F. Randolph. 

% Mr. John Caswell, Mr. E. P. Fabbri. 






TEN YEARS MORE. 409 

April day, with the wife of a brother clergyman, 
paused at the entrance of the grove on the grassy knoll, 
now the centre of the little cemetery, thougn then not 
set apart for such use. The elevation commands an ex- 
cellent view of the settlement, and after silently sur- 
veying the then unoccupied site, he' suddenly ex- 
claimed, " Ten years more, oh ! my Father, if it please 
thee to set forward this work, and then " — spreading his 
hands expressively towards the turf, and a moment 
afterwards stretching them eagerly upwards, as his eye 
gazed into the heavens. He said no other word. Pre- 
cisely ten years, to a month, and his mortal remains 
were laid beneath the sod on the summit of the knoll 
where he was then standing. 

His deep interest in St. Johnland gave him, at this 
time, new desires, if God so willed, that he should be 
well and strong. On his seventieth birthday, a con- 
sumptive girl in the Hospital made him a book-mark 
on which was worked the text, " As thy days thy 
strength shall be." Throughout his life, he set great 
value on any such simple gift from his humbler friends, 
while perchance a costly personal present from some 
wealthy parishioner or others, would be received with 
a sort of bewilderment. He was not ungrateful for the 
attention, but would ask in a puzzled way, "What am 
I to do with this ? " commonly ending by transferring 
the gift to his sister, Mrs. Rogers. 

But poor young Ellen's love-token delighted him 
extremely, and he kept it in his Bible always. The 
promise coming to him in this wise, and in connection 



410 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

with his anxiety for St. Johnland, was especially sweet 
to him, and so filled his mind that, as common with 
him, it ran out in verse. The little piece was published 
in " Brotherly Words," a monthly periodical, issued 
from St. Johnland at that time. 

A single stanza is subjoined. He had been asking 
for strength for his last work for the Lord, and 
concludes : 

" Howe'er, in that thou shalt ordain, 
To live is Christ, to die is gain: 
Only thy work, in me fulfil, 
All mine I leave to thy dear will ! n 

In the year 1867 Dr. Muhlenberg celebrated the 
fiftieth anniversary of his ordination, his "jubilee" 
and " golden wedding " he called it. An affectionate 
and intelligent friend sent him, with some warm con- 
gratulations, the following interesting thoughts on the 
occasion: 

" It certainly is a long stretch of time to look back 
upon. You have seen wonderful changes in the world 
and in the church; more, I think, in the church than in 
the world. You were ordained just after the Congress 
of Vienna had made a map of Europe to suit dynasties 
without the slightest regard to peoples or languages; 
and you have lived to see Europe tear in pieces the 
Vienna parchments, and to assert the principles of Na- 
tionality ! This is an enormous revolution, not yet com- 
pleted, but in the process of triumphant completion. 

"You were ordained just after the last war with 



A CONNECTING LINK. 411 

Great Britain ; we had acquired distinction, but we were 
feeble and few enough contrasted with our powers and 
numbers of to-day. 

" You have seen and felt the shock of civil war; you 
have felt the Republic quiver in every fibre as she 
girded herself for a life and death battle. You have 
seen her emerge victorious and strong — yet not so fresh, 
so free, so inspired as her heroic endeavor would have 
led you to prophesy. 

"But what have you seen in the church? You have 
seen what you never could have dreamed of. You have 
seen Protestantism becoming weaker and Romanism 
becoming proportionably stronger; you have seen the 
English Church convulsed by efforts in the Roman di- 
rection, and the German Church paralyzed by a learned 
unbelief, and the American Church reproducing feebly 
the robuster and the more serious controversies of the 
older church. You have seen good things done in the 
American Church. You have yourself done much in 
awakening this church to educational works and to 
works of beneficence. You have been felt in a great 
deal that has been best in this church — we thank God 
for your example; and I remember, moreover, now in 
writing, that you are a link connecting the church of 
Bishop White with the church whose bishops to-day 
are in England upon the invitation of the Archbishop 
of Canterbury. It is a long, long- journey. The old 
things have passed away — all things have become new. 
Old theologies, old modes of conducting public wor- 
ship, old quarrels between Calvinist and Arminian are 



412 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

hushed. Men are divided upon new issues; they are 
interested in new themes. They read the Bible differ- 
ently; they interpret it more thoroughly. We have 
more scholarship, more philanthropy. We have parted 
with an old simplicity; we are in the garish light when 
fashion will hold its revels at high noon. 

"These things must come to your mind often and of- 
ten, my beloved friend, and you wonder whither we are 
all drifting. But St. Luke's Hospital will long stand, 
I hope and believe, an evidence of the Christian charity 
and forethought of one man at least, whose name will 
be held long in remembrance. Our thoughts and feel- 
ings may drift but a tiling done, stands " 

His continued health and activity often induced in 
those around him a forgetfulness of his age. "It is 
difficult," wrote one, a year or two later, "to realize 
that Dr. Muhlenberg has been in harness so long. 
Dining with him, in company with a brother clergy- 
man (1871), the conversation turned on the action of 
the House of Bishops just fifty years before, and his 
guest expressed a regret that the secretary of that 
body was not living to enlighten the public on a point- 
connected with its action, concerning which, opinion 
was divided. 'Why,' Dr. M said, 'I was secre- 
tary to the House of Bishops then.'" "Dr. Muhlen- 
berg," the writer concludes, "was a venerable repre- 
sentative of what we might call a primeval age, — a 
living epitome of our church's history." 

It could not be expected that a work so out of sight, 
so multiform, and to most, so incomprehensible, as St, 



HIS LAST PRIVATE MEANS. 413 

Jolinland, should command any thing like the remark- 
able pecuniary support recorded of the initiation of 
St. Luke's Hospital. A few generous personal friends, 
as we have seen, met the cost of the land, and cheered 
the Founder with gifts of different amounts, which he 
expended in extensive repairs and improvements. The 
cost of maintaining the place, such as provisions, sal- 
aries, and other incidental expenses, he assumed per- 
sonally. Some private means of his own remained 
at this time, inuring to him through his family, and 
only unexpended, probably, because for a long while 
so placed as to be, in their bulk, unavailable. The re- 
quirements of St. Jolinland now constrained their 
being put at his own disposal, and he spent them, to 
the last dollar, on that work. He preferred that while 
the undertaking was esteemed so much of an exper- 
iment, whatever loss there might be, should be his 
own. The farm, with the improvements constantly 
in progress, was soon worth much more than its first 
cost, and so in the event of failure the original con- 
tributors could easily be reimbursed, and no one the 
worse pecuniarily for the venture. 

Dr. Muhlenberg could not be called "a business 
man," but his high principles and perfect integrity 
were coupled with so fine a tact and wise circumspec- 
tion in monetary matters, that, costly as were his un- 
dertakings, their finance always did him credit. 

He designed that his labors for St. Luke's Hospital 
should always be free from all pecuniary considera- 
tions, and for the first ten years they were so. His 



414 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

only sister, like his good mother before her, provided 
his clothing; some Christian friend would now and 
again send a " hundred dollars for the Pastor's private 
use;" he had his living at St. Luke's without cost; 
"What more did a prophet of the Lord require as to 
this world's goods?" But towards autumn of the year 
1868. St. Johnland funds were running low, and his 
own bank was exhausted. 

By this time a House for crippled children, "The 
Spencer and Wolfe Home," built by the ladies whose 
name it bears, was in operation, and its first inmates 
were a band of little helpless convalescents from St. 
Luke's Hospital. Dr. Muhlenberg saw here room for a 
claim of the younger upon the older of the affiliated 
institutions, and proposed that an annual subsidy of 
two or three thousand dollars should be paid by St. 
Luke's for the maintenance of such poor little children 
at St. Johnland. The "powers that be" in the Hospi- 
tal Board thought an appropriation on such grounds 
was not within their prerogative, but it would be en- 
tirely legitimate for Dr. Muhlenberg to draw three 
thousand a year as his salary, which, of course, he 
could expend as he pleased. The word "salary" grated 
upon the saint's ears in connection with his conse- 
crated service, but he yielded. St. Johnland had to 
be supported, and after all, what did the name of the 
thing matter? And so it went for the remainder of 
his life. . 

Early in the year 1867 he resorted to the means he 
had used in the Church of the Holy Communion for 



ESSENTIAL TO ST. LUKE'S. 415 

making his Church Village better understood. His 
twelve numbers of Brotherly Words, published monthly, 
did for St. Johnland similar service to that rendered by 
the Evangelical Catholic to the Church, Hospital, and 
Sisterhood, and, at the same time, enforced many and 
beautiful Christian lessons on a diversity of subjects 
consonant with its name. Its motto, was the great St. 
Johnland text — "This is His Commandment, that ye be- 
lieve on the Name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love 

ONE ANOTHER AS He GAVE US COMMANDMENT." 

During Dr. Muhlenberg's life the two works were 
very intimately connected, and St. Johnland must al- 
ways be essential to St. Luke's for sheltering and edu- 
cating the discharged little convalescents of its ortho- 
pedic department, who, too often, have no home suitable 
to their impaired physical condition. 

The opening of the Home for crippled and destitute 
children brought new life and interest to the undertak- 
ing, and the year 1868 closed with encouraging fore- 
shadowings of yet more substantial advance. The 
Founder's birthday, from the beginning, has been ob- 
served in St. Johnland as a fete or "gaudy day," and 
in the year of which we are speaking, that day was a 
delightful occasion. Several gentlemen, friends of Dr. 
Muhlenberg's, were invited by the St. Johnlanders, 
through their representative, to come and help make 
merry with them; and a subsequent letter from one 
of these guests, as printed in a contemporary periodical, 
will show something of the genius of the place, as well 
as of the manner of celebrating its high anniversary. 



416 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

After an interesting description of the territory, and 
some exposition of the design of the enterprise the 
writer says: 

" The morning after our arrival was a fete day in St. 
Johnland. It was the birthday of its Founder and had 
been looked forward to with eagerness. While seated 
at the breakfast table, we heard a little stir outside the 
windows, and then a chorus of sweet voices breaking 
out into song. We looked up in surprise, and found a 
group of dear children, with others, including, I believe, 
every resident of the place, in an excited cluster, chant- 
ing an address of congratulation to their venerable 
Pastor, whose long life began that day its seventy-third 
year of usefulness. I can not picture this graceful and 
touching scene, followed by the presentation of a birth- 
day gift and of the birthday song handsomely printed 
on card-board; the words, the music, and the printing 
being all of St. Johnland origin. The children are 
accustomed to commit to memory a daily text of Scrip- 
ture, which they call the 'word for the day.' For this 
day their selection was, ' The hoary head is a crown of 
glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness.' Not 
a little one there but made a personal application of the 
text to the 'hallowed crown of silver hairs,' to which 
they looked up with such filial and reverent love. 

u Behind the buildings, which front toward the south, 
rises a range of hills, covered with oak and cedar for- 
ests, sheltering this 'happy valley' from the intrusion of 
northern winds, On the farther side, the ridge breaks 
down abruptly to the waters of the Sound, affording 



A SKETCH. 417 

from its edge a beautiful view of blue waters, dotted 
with the sails of commerce, the receding bays and 
capes of Long Island, and the opposite shores of Con- 
necticut, some fifteen miles distant. Inviting paths 
meander along this shady and undulating ridge. A 
rounded summit, overlooking all the rest, has been 
christened 'Mount St. John.' 

"In the grove, near Mount St, John, the children 
enjoyed a pleasant little picnic, with swings and romp- 
ing games, and an abundant feast, including a veritable 
clam-bake without the savor of politics. The occasion 
was to all a source of innocent hilarity, and called to- 
gether the whole tribe of St. Johnland, from its silver 
crowned patriarch to its youngest citizen born upon 
the soil but a few months since. 

U A painter should have sketched the group, a poet 
would have done it better justice. My pen rests here. 
We do not live in patriarchal days. The Arcadia of 
dreamland is undiscovered yet. But if Peace has her 
dwelling anywhere upon this footstool, the St. John- 
landers are resting under the shadow of her wings. 

" May the choicest blessing descend upon this heav- 
enly charity, and twice bless their unbought, self-deny- 
ing toil. 



© 



" 'From whom such deeds of week-day holiness 
Fail noiseless as the snow.' " 

There was just one little shadow of a cloud over the 
brightness of that day. The Pastor's humility shrank 
from the St. Johnland-made birthday song. Somewhat 



418 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG, 

too laudatory he thought it. A slight air of depression 
passed over his strong yet gentle face, as the people, 
con amove carolled it forth, though he tried to be pleased 
with every thing. He was not at all prepared for such 
an ovation. Perhaps, had he been quite alone with 
his St. Johnlanders — his own children — it might have 
seemed different, but in the presence of his city guests 
his natural shyness winced under the loving honor 
done him. And before Christmas of that year came 
round, he had taken the refrain of the little birthday 
lyric and wedded to it a joyous choral, in honor of the 
Birthday of birthdays, composing a suitable praiseful 
tune to accompany this. There was something holily 
ingenious in thus converting the tribute to himself on 
his own birthday altogether into a hymn of adoration 
at the Nativity of his Lord and Master. 

The following extract will serve to illustrate the 
incident : 

" Glorious Birthday! 

Glorious Birthday ! 
Promised since the world began; 

With the dawning, 

Of this morning, 
Born the Lord the Son of Man. 

" Glorious Birthday ! 

Angel hosts say, 
Highest praise their notes employ; 

Glory singing, 

Good-will bringing, 
Coming down to wish us joy. 



"GLORIOUS BIRTHDAY." 419 

" Glorious Birthday ! 

Doth the Church say, 
In the mystery triumphing; 

Mary keepeth, 

While Ee sleepeth, 
Her own Babe, and Heaven's own King." * 

In the fall of the year 1869, the foundations were suc- 
cessively laid of the "Boys' House, or Johnny's Memor- 
ial," u St. John's Inn, or the Old Man's Home," and the 
" Church of the Testimony of Jesus." 

The first of these was built by Dr. Muhlenberg's 
niece, in memory of her eldest son, a lovely boy, taken 
away very unexpectedly in his tenth year.f Next came 
" St. John's Inn, or the Old Man's Home " — the most 
costly and extensive structure on the place ; consisting 
in fact of three large houses connected by enclosed pas- 
sages, and forming a handsome front of a hundred and 
seventy-five feet. This building was erected by the 
munificence of Mr. John David Wolfe. 

Dr. Muhlenberg — himself an old man — had had 
greatly at heart the establishment of an Old Man's 
Home for the entertainment of a certain number of 
wayworn old pilgrims, through the last days and years 

* The little home song annihilated by the above ran thus: 

" Happy Birthday ! 

Happy Birthday ! 

King it out with sweet acclaim; 

Blessings breathing, 

Honors wreathing 

For the well-belove'd name." 

t John Rogers Chisolm. 
21 



420 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

of their earthly tarrying, and the laying of the corner- 
stone of this building was to him no insignificant occa- 
sion. His birthday was by request appointed for the 
purpose. He arrived at noon of that day from the 
city, with a number of chosen friends, and found all 
the houses in holiday trim, decked with wreaths and 
flowers, and the whole place astir with pleased expec- 
tation. After the usual sports, with picnic and clam- 
bake in the grove, had been fully enjoyed by the people 
of the settlement, towards sunset came the event of the 
day — purposely left till that hour, as symbolizing the 
work, and the advancing years both of the Father of 
St. Johnland, and of his friend Mr. Wolfe. The sur- 
roundings were in full harmony with the occasion. 
Nothing broke the repose of the service but the wood 
land hum of the insects. The gathered company, in 
number about a hundred and thirty, and consisting of 
young and old, lame children and sturdy workmen, 
country neighbors, black and white, farm hands and 
gentry, clergymen and laymen, stood reverently and 
bare-headed around the excavated area prepared for the 
middle building, standing within which was the cen- 
tral figure of the picture, the venerable Father and Pas- 
tor, who, after performing the simple ceremony, led 
them in his own way, from what they were doing here, 
to u the house not made with hands, eternal in the heav- 
ens." The little crippled children chanted, "The Lord 
is my Shepherd," and the whole congregation in chorus 
the " Gloria in Excelsis," while the western sky, grow- 
ing momently richer in beauty, illumined the scene, 



THE CHURCH OF THE TESTIMONY. 421 

not with the gorgeous splendor of a midsummer sunset, 
but with that soft, crystalline light, flecked with bril- 
liant bars of azure and gold, not unfrequent on cool 
autumnal evenings. It was a sweet hallowed time. 
And before night closed in, the event of the day led in- 
directly to the more precious gift of a Village Church. 
St. Johnland as yet had no appropriate sanctuary, 
though it was never without an officiating minister. 
The services were held in a room of one of the houses, 
too small for the purpose, and a church proper was very 
earnestly desired by the people at large. 

Mr. Adam Norrie, immediately on Mr. Wolfe's assum- 
ing the entire cost of St. John's Inn, undertook himself, 
in a very generous manner, the erection of the Church, 
the corner-stone of which was laid with appropriate ser- 
vices the month following that of the Old Man's Home. 

St. Johnland, while an organization of the Protestant 
Episcopal Church, is not a diocesan institution; a dis- 
tinction existing in numerous benevolent and edu- 
cational societies amongst us. But Dr. Muhlenberg 
would not begin his Church of the Testimony without 
courteously communicating his intention to the bish- 
op, territorially the nearest, who met him with equal 
kindness and courtesy in the matter. Within the cor- 
ner-stone was deposited a declaration of the Evangeli- 
cal Catholic principles upon which the entire work is 
founded, and a copy of the same was subsequently put 
in print as a preface to the St. Johnland Directory. 

"The Church of the Testimony of Jesus" Dr. Muhl- 
enberg named his village sanctuary. Mr. Nome's gift 



422 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

included the furniture of the Church, and his daughter 
enriched the latter by a beautiful silver communion 
service and a church bell for the open belfry. 

Mr. Adam Xorrie was, next to Mr. Minturn, Dr. 
Muhlenberg's oldest and desrest friend in St. Luke's 
Hospital, his long service of which, as Treasurer, dates 
back to the earliest days of the Institution. There 
remain some lines written in 1871, and inscribed "To 
A. N. on his birthday, from W. A. M." which indicate 
gracefully the friendship existing between these two, 
as well as the continued facility of Dr. Muhlenberg's 
muse : 

"My fellow traveller on life's way, 
So near our footsteps are — 
'Twere strange if on thy natal day 
My heart could be afar. 

"Thy seventy years and six now fled, 
With mind and body strong — 
Thy green old age unwithere'd, 
May the good Lord prolong. 

"Prolong — that it be thine to know 
Long joy in deeds of love: 
A treasurer for the poor below 
And for thyself abovs. 

"True to thy trust, dear friend, live on, 
With grace thy wealth to crown: 
Grace still increasing, till thy sun 
Undimnied by cloud go down. 



HIS FRIEND'S BIRTHDAY. 423 

"One favor yet, and that to pray 
I've chiefly spun my rhyme: 
Let genius thy loved form portray 
In art defying time. 

"For this thy patience we invoke, 
With next to children's zeal, 
Thy friends, St. Luke's, St. Johnland folk, 
All join in warm appeal." 

The purpose in writing the foregoing, was to induce 
his friend to sit to the artist Huntingdon for his por- 
trait; an end which the bright little poem achieved. 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

1869-1872. 

Incorporation of St. Johnland. — Diversified Objects of the Society. — Ca- 
pabilities of the Place. — Not ready for Cottages at first. — Family Life 
fostered in another Form. — St. Johnland Children. — Evangelical Broth- 
erhood. — Church Services. — " Directory for the Use of the Book of 
Common Prayer." — Illustration from Supplement. — Dedication of the 
Church. — St. John's Inn has its House-warming. — A Cottage Tenantry. 
— Who and What they are to be. — Mistakes Corrected. — Educational 
as to Family Life. — The Great St. Johnland Text. — An Original Char- 
ity. — Transfer of Property to Trustees. — Mr. John D. Wolfe's Benefac- 
tions. — Anecdotes. — Influence of Dr. Muhlenberg in enlarged Gifts of 
Benevolence. 

St. Johnland did not become an Incorporation in law, 
until the year 1870. Among its Trustees were a num- 
ber of the contributors to the original purchase of the 
farm, but some had before this passed hence.* 

An abstract of the Act of Incorporation states the 
objects of the organization as follows: 

"First: To provide cheap and comfortable homes, 
together with the means of social and moral improve- 
ment, for deserving families from among the working 
classes, particularly of the city of New York, and such 
as can carry on their work at St. Johnland; but this 

* Its first officers were, John David Wolfe, President; Adam Nor- 
rie, Vice President; Howard Potter, Treasurer; and Wm. Alex. Smith, 

Secretary. 



OBJECTS OF ST JOHNLAND. 425 

provision shall never be used for pecuniary emolument, 
either to the Society or to any of the Agents in its 
employ. Second: To maintain a home for aged men 
in destitute circumstances, especially Communicants, 
who are deemed entitled to it by the churches to 
whicL they belong; to care for friendless children and 
youth, and especially cripples, by giving them home, 
schooling, Christian training, and some trade or occu- 
pation by which they can earn their future livelihood ; 
and generally to do such other Christian offices as 
shall from time to time be required, and are practi- 
cable by the Society, consistently with its benevolent 
designs. Third: To assist indigent boys and young 
men who desire literary education, with a view to 
the Gospel Ministry,, by affording them the oppor- 
tunity for such education, and, at the same time, 
means of self-support by some useful employment. 
An Evangelical School, or College, chiefly for training 
for the Ministry, would come within the scope of the 
Society. Lastly, and as embracing its whole, to give 
form and practical application to the principles of 
Brotherhood in Christ, in an organized congregation or 
parish, constituted by settled residents of St. Johnland." 
The territory, in its diversified range of hill and dale, 
of wood and water, in the tilth of its broad acres, in its 
fine garden land, and its general eligibility for a variety 
of industries, is a place of unlimited capabilities. The 
measure of its possible usefulness can not be estimated, 
granting reasonable supplies of material aid for its 
development. Dr. Muhlenberg's wise and prophetic 



426 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

mind apprehended all this, and his faith in the princi- 
ples of Evangelical Brotherhood, upon which the whole 
is founded, gave him a confident hope as to the future 
of the work, even though his- eye should see little more 
than the first feeble steps of its infancy. 

Enthusiastic, eager of heart, in all that he undertook, 
there was, at the same time, a grand underlaying power 
of patient waiting, which kept out of the inception of 
all his enterprises every least approach to the rushing 
methods of this nineteenth century. "Festina lente" 
was a favorite maxim, and well carried out in his differ- 
ent foundations. Not that with regard to any one of 
these he, of choice, waited so long for the develop- 
ment of his ideal in the actual, but he was wise and 
prudent as to opportunities, and, moreover, ruled him- 
self always by the indication of God's will in the posi- 
tion of affairs and the circumstances of the time. 

It ''would have been a great joy to him to see while 
yet he lived, a colony of some fifty happy cottage 
homes, thriving under the benefits provided for them, 
in the peaceful, wholesome, moral and religious in- 
fluences of his St. Johnland. And a first thought in 
buying the farm was to press for the erection of these 
cottages. Three were put up and occupied, but it soon 
became apparent that progress of another kind must 
precede a thorough readiness for carrying out this 
fundamental idea. He had thought of homes for the 
aged, for crippled children, for destitute boys and girls, 
etc., as humane accessories to the leading object of the 
enterprise, which inherently they are, but in God's 



NOT A REFORMATORY. 427 

Providence they were to come about first, as to the 
order of time. 

It is easily see a now that it could not have been 
otherwise. When the place was bought, there were 
neither houses, church, school buildings, railroad prox- 
imity, a convenient provision mart, nor post office — 
agencies indispensable to a Christian industrial settle- 
ment, deriving its employment mainly from the city. 
But this notwithstanding, the place was quickly turned 
to good account. 

In the readiness of generous friends to erect suitable 
houses for the purpose, and in the natural advantages 
of the place, there has been, almost from the beginning, 
much opportunity for benefiting the young of the 
families contemplated in Dr. Muhlenberg's idea. The 
large households of children successively cared for at 
St. Johnland, not including the youthful convalescents 
from St. Luke's, have been for the most part neither 
stray waifs, nor little street Arabs, nor juvenile repro- 
bates needing the good offices of a reformatory, but the 
orphans or half orphans of decent poor parents, valu- 
ing nothing so much as the moral and physical well- 
being of their little ones. 

This Church Village was created to elevate family 
life among the poor, and much care is taken to this 
end. The children are not huddled together in one 
vast building, like so many pieces of a great machine, 
knowing nothing, each one, beyond its own groove or 
niche. They are divided, according to circumstances, 
into households numbering from thirty to forty each. 



428 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

Their houses are not alike, and the children are not 
dressed alike, nor in any other manner ground into 
an artificial uniformity by unnecessary routine or cold 
repression. They have room for spontaneity. 

u Your children all look as though they had mothers," 
said an intelligent visitor to the place. The work is 
one of manifold benevolence, yet it is no mere com- 
bination of institutions, but already, in its measure, a 
living exemplification of that Gospel Brotherhood which 
its Founder has so yearned to see permeating the 
church. ''Brotherhood in Christ" was the foundation 
and corner-stone of the ideal, and Brotherhood in 
Christ is, it may be affirmed, the keynote of the daily 
life of the actual St, Johnland. 

All the residents," whatever their previous religious 
associations, unite cordially in the worship of the 
Church of the Testimony; and thus not a few, older 
and younger, have been led naturally into "the green 
pastures and still waters " of the old historic church, 
hitherto unknown to them, and have found it all so 
sweet and wholesome, as not to be content ever again 
to do without the beautiful ritual, its responsive Lit- 
urgy, its animating Te Deums and Glorias, and the 
comprehensive teachings of the Church Year. It has 
always been thus wdierever Dr. Muhlenberg's min- 
istry was exercised. The reserved rights and priv- 
ileges of this Church of the Testimony, 'are "the 
liberty of conscience," "the liberty of prayer," and 
the liberty of "ministerial fellowship." When he pre- 
pared his "Directory for the Use of the Book of 



YET TO BE APPRECIATED. 429 

Common Prayer," he was too far on in years to 
do what he otherwise might have clone for its ac- 
ceptableness, by a personal illustration of its value. 
It is one of his works yet to be appreciated. Leaving 
the Prayer Book reverently untouched by so much as a 
"jot or tittle," that they who find all that they want in 
its venerable forms may not be hurt by the, to them, 
s&crilegiousness of any change, he shows, in this Direc- 
tory, how, by some such authorized Supplement to the 
Book, a widely felt need of more flexibility of the ser- 
vice might be allowed, without the least confusion or 
disarrangement of the stately order of the worship. 
This is secured by appointing the places in the service, 
at which the liberty of free prayer, or the choice of an 
alternative in a prescribed form, may be used. 

"The Prayer Book," he writes, "is not undervalued 
as to its treasures in asserting its wants. The latter 
can not be denied. Witness the meagre amount of 
New Testament prayer and praise for the round of 
festivals and fasts; the absence of any forms suited 
to the peculiar circumstances of our own church and 
country, and to the times w T e live in; or for our be- 
nevolent and educational institutions. There are no 
prayers for the increase of ministers, for missions or 
missionaries; for the Christian teaching of the young; 
for sponsors on the occasion of baptism; for persons 
setting out on long journeys by land, quite as perilous 
as voyages by sea; for the sick desiring the prayers 
of the church, when there is no prospect of or desire 
for recovery; for the bereaved at funerals; and many 



430 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

other occasions for which there might as well be provi- 
sion, as for those few for which we already have in the 
' occasional prayers' — not to speak of the endless sub- 
jects for which there can be no liturgical prescriptions, 
and which necessitate the exercise of free prayer. Per- 
haps it is only in such prayer that due supplication 
can be made for that which we are most enjoined to 
pray for, but which has so little place, beside a passing 
versicle, in the ordinary offices of the church — the 
influence and manifold gifts of the Holy Spirit. 

"With respect to the following forms, let it be re- 
membered that they are meant for comparatively pri- 
vate use, and not proposed as worthy additions to the 
Liturgy. Imperfect as they are, they may yet serve 
as exemplifications of what a Supplement to the Prayer 
Book might become, if to furnish it with materials 
were made an object by the church, or of some of 
her members acting together for the purpose. In 
that event, the effect would be similar to what has 
happened in regard to our Hymnody. Contributions 
would be forthcoming, when once combined piety and 
genius were encouraged to make such offerings for 
the sanctuary; while, from sources new and old, treas- 
ures would be gathered worthy of being incorporated 
with the Liturgy; gems would be found, fit for setting 
in its ' wrought gold.' " The subjoined, provided to be 
added to the usual church service on the Festival of the 
Nativity, will serve to illustrate what has been quoted 
above, and may incidentally show how near he came 
in chaste and reverent utterance to the ancient formulas : 



AN ILLUSTRATION. 431 

" CHRISTMAS LAUDS AND PRAYER. 

<c All glory be to thee, God, for that thou didst so love the world 
as to give thine only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him 
should not perish, but have everlasting life. All praise and thanks 
be unto thee for this thine unspeakable gift. All blessing and honor, 
that unto us is born, as on this day, a Saviour which is Christ the 
Lord. Glory to thee in the highest. To thee we lift up anew our 
praises, with all the assemblies of thy saints, now rejoicing again in 
this manifestation of thy love. As, when thou didst bring thy first- 
begotten into the world, thou gavest thine angels to worship him, 
give unto us, to whom he has joined himself nearer than to the 
angels, to worship him with all the homage of our souls, and, to- 
gether with all things in heaven and things on earth, to confess that 
he is Lord, to the glory of thee, the Father.'' 

" All glory be unto thee, thou eternal Son, for the marvellous mys- 
tery of thine Incarnation, wherein thou didst lay aside thy majesty on 
high, and clothe thyself with humanity, for us men and our salvation. 
The brightness of the Father's glory and the express image of his 
person, we adore thee that thou didst stoop to sojourn in our world, 
and acquaint thyself with its woes, that thou might raise us to thy 
heavenly kingdom. Fulfil in us, we beseech thee, all the purposes 
of thine ineffable humiliation. Emmanuel, God with us, draw us 
unto thee in the new life which is begotten of thyself. Thou who 
wast born of a woman, deign, by thy indwelling in us, to be born in 
our hearts, and to reign there until every thought be brought into 
captivity to thy will. Purify us, that, following thee in thy humility 
and thy charity, we may bear thine image, and be ready for thy second 
coming, in the glory of the Father, with all the holy angels. 

" O Saviour of sinners, give us to know the fulness of thy salvation, 
in deliverance from the power of sin now in this time of our present 
life, that we may be delivered from the dread of its consequences in 
the life to come. 

"O Divine Brother of our race, shed abroad thy love, that those 
whom thou hast redeemed may become an holy brotherhood, knit to- 
gether in thee, gathering unto thee all the kindreds of the earth. 

1 ' O Prince of peace, govern in our hearts, dispelling all angry pas- 



432 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

sions and ill-will, and all that is discordant with the harmony of thy 
rule. Sway the nations of the earth. Put an end to their enmities and 
strifes. Hasten the time when they shall prepare for war no more, 
and rest secure in thine empire of peace, to the glory of thee, and of 
the Father, and of the Holy Ghost, world without end. Amen." 

< 'GLORIA CHRISTI. 

"O sing unto the Lord a new song; let the congregation of saints 
praise him. 

Let Israel rejoice in him that made him; and let the children of Zion 
be joyful in their King. 

In him the First and the Last, the same yesterday, to-day, and for- 
ever. 

The Angel of the Covenant, the Ancient of days. 

The Desire of all Nations, the Glory of his people Israel. 

The Root and Offspring of David, The Bright and Morning Star. 

The Son of Mary: The Only Begotten of the Father, full of grace 
and truth. 

The Day Spring from on High: The Sun of Righteousness risen with 
healing in his wings. 

The Rose of Sharon, and the Lily of the Valley. 

The Crown of Glory, The Diadem of Beauty unto His people. 

The Author aud Finisher of our Faith, the Shepherd and Bishop of 
)ur souls. 

The Lamb slain from the foundation of the world: High Priest for- 
ever, after the order of Melchizedec. 

The Propitiation for the Sins of the world: the Only Name under 
Heaven given among men whereby we must be saved. 

The Prophet, Priest, and King: The Lord our Righteousness. 

The Judge of the Quick and the Dead: he that hath the keys of 
Death and Hell. 

God manifest in the Flesh: Image of the Invisible God. 

The Brightness of the Father's Glory: The express Image of his 
Person. 

King of Kings, and Lord of Lords: God over all blessed for ever- 
more." 



THE CHRISTMAS CANTATE. 433 

This last, as a Cantate for Christmas, has been 
known and used in St. Luke's Hospital for some years. 
"What is that von are singing?" was asked of the 
sick children there one day, as they chanted it heartily 
in their ward. "All the beautiful names of our Lord 
Jesus Christ," was the reply of the little ones. "Yes," 

returned the Eev. Dr. , " engraft those words on 

their minds, and they will never fall into false doctrine." 

The Church of the Testimony was dedicated on 
the 8th of October, 1870. It was a ; white day' for 
Dr. Muhlenberg and for St. Johnland. The weather 
was enjoyable, and all present evinced warm sympa- 
thy and appreciation. The guests of the occasion, 
clerical and lay, numerous for the accommodations 
of the place, came down from town the day before, 
in readiness for the event, and St. John's Inn, being 
then just completed and newly fitted up for its ex- 
pected aged beneficiaries, received its house-warming 
in lodging many of the visitors. More than one dis- 
tinguished city clergyman slept that night in an old 
man's alcove. This was the opening service of the 
Church. The following Sunday the unwonted sound 
of its bell broke the sabbath stillness of the neighbor- 
hood for the first regular morning and afternoon 
worship, and from that day forth the pretty rural 
sanctuary has always had, in goodly number, its bands 
of reverent worshippers, whose hearty responses and 
full congregational singing as initiated by the Found- 
er have been well kept up and might do credit to 
many a larger parish. 



434 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

Thus St. Johnland, at every step, if somewhat slow 
of movement, has made sure and substantial progress. 
The original hindrances to the establishment of a cot- 
tage tenantry doing work from the city, have heen 
one by one removed. The railroad with its St. John- 
land Station and Post Office within a mile and a half 
of the village, followed quickly upon the opening of 
the Church until at length nothing is wanting for the 
development of the place after the pattern so beauti- 
fully laid down by Dr. Muhlenberg but contributions 
in sufficient amount for the purpose. 

An advance towards the realization of the princi- 
pal feature of the plan is started. The cottages now 
in erection are the gifts of individual friends of the 
work. Each one has five or six rooms and a garden 
of its own. No profit is to be made by any one out 
of the rent, which is therefore far less than would be 
paid for half the space in a crowded city tenement; 
but the collective rents are expected ultimately to pay 
the expenses of the business agent, and cost of trans- 
portation of work, and to keep the houses in repair. 

With the living work thus at last unfolding itself, 
and its projector no longer here, the following addi- 
tional exposition of what it is and what it is not, from 
his own pen, is of value: 

"The primary objects of the foundation," he says, 
"are, in the first place, to afford to certain classes 
of the deserving and industrious poor, a comfortable 
home in the country, in place of the wretched abodes 
to which they are doomed in the city. By certain 



MISTAKES CORRECTED. 435 

classes of such, poor, is meant those who get their 
living in branches of industry which they carry on 
at their own apartments — for example, tailors, cap- 
makers, clear-starchers, shoemakers, unibrella-stitcners, 
seamstresses, and the many other operatives who are 
employed in large establishments, where they get the 
material of their work and return it when it is done. 
This they could do out of town as well as in it, an 
agency being established for carriage between them 
and their employers." 

He refutes, with characteristic naivete, various errors 
with regard to the scope and aim of his design into 
which certain persons have fallen, and so doing con- 
tributes to the fuller elucidation of the enterprise. 

Thus: U 'I have come to inform you/ said , 'of a 

most worthy family, just the kind for your St. Johnland 
— an old man and his wife, too infirm to do any thing 
for themselves, dependent upon an only daughter who 
is in poor health herself. They are living in a wretched 
hole, and I was thinking what a mercy it would be 
if they could exchange it for one of your places in the 
country.' 

"' Certainly, it would; but how would they support 
themselves ? ' 

Uw They, could not do much at that; the daughter 
makes something at sewing.' 

" 'Which would not be enough to pay the rent,' 

" ; Rent ! Why, must your people pay rent ? I thought 

they would have their dwelling free and then do what 

they could to eke out a living.' 
28 



436 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

" 'That would be to make country-seats for the poor, 
which for some of them indeed would be a very good 
thing; but it is not the object of St. Johnland, nor is 
the place designed for the poor generally.' 

" c For whom, then ? ' 

" ' For working people who can maintain themselves 
by their industry in an honest independence.' 

" ' How can people, who have been earning their liv- 
ing in the city, do so in the country ? ' 

"'Not all, of course; but those who work at trades 
under their own roofs, such as tailors, shoemakers, 
shirtmakers and many others.' 

"'Your plan, then, is not so comprehensive as I 
imagined.' 

" ' It is still more limited. It is for well-disposed 
working people, who value Christian privileges; and 
especially those who have children to bring up, to 
do which as they desire, is a thing impossible in their 
present circumstances.' 

"'This, I fear, is rather a limited class of the poor.' 

" 'Not by anv means as limited as vou fancy. Amid 
those masses, as we call them, who, for the most part 
seem well content with their condition, there are 
scattered families of our Protestant faith, and adorning 
it too, who are far from being content, chiefly on ac- 
count of their children, exposed as they are to demor- 
alizing influences, and often to the vilest associa- 
tions. I could show you decent and pious families of 
whom you would say it is a shame they should be left 
immured in those heaps of physical and moral corrup* 






OUR KINSMEN IN CHRIST. 437 

eion. Such as -these, yon must allow, have a pre-emi- 
nent claim on our consideration. They are our fellow 
Christians. Our charity of course should be with- 
held from none to whom we can extend it, but " charity 
begins at home." And surely our kinsmen in Christ 
are at home . .'" 

Again, he says: "To some minds the scheme has 
this defect. The tenants of the cottages can never 
own them ; whatever be their industry, they can never 
become independent proprietors of their own houses. 
They would thus lack one powerful motive to exertion 
and good conduct. Why not supply them with this 
motive? Because it would not consist with the per- 
manent welfare of the place. The first proprietors 
might continue all right, but there would be no secu- 
rity for such continuance in their heirs. In a genera- 
tion or two the community might be infested with the 
ordinary nuisances of country towns. No. When any 
of the tenants shall have saved enough to purchase 
property, let them do it somewhere else, and leave 
their St, Johnland homes for others in their turn to 
do likewise. 

"This brings into view a very important feature of the 
whole project; its being educational, not of the young 
alone, but of families, and in their capacity as families, 
with husbands and wives, parents and children, broth 
ers and sisters under teachings and influences training 
them in their respective and relative duties. St. John- 
land may be viewed as a college for education in the 
domestic virtues, for the elevation of the family-ship of 



438 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

its members. To preserve as much as possible its prim- 
itive social and moral character, it should never be- 
come a large town. Limits should be set to it by 
law. . . ." 

"'After all, will not the good done be very small?' 
Yes, in comparison with the amount of the same kind 
of good which would still be left undone, but not small 
in itself. Suppose the settlement to become in the 
course of a few years, a well-ordered rural parish, with 
an industrious population of some four or five hundred 
(he contemplated about one hundred homes) taken 
from the tenement dens of the city; it would be no 
very small thing, nor cost more than it would be worth 
— yet that would be only a beginning. As sure as the 
present enterprise succeeds it will be followed by oth- 
ers, and many a St. Johnland will spring up as little 
'cities of refuge' from the moral devastations of the 
great city, for the saving of thousands to the Church 
and State in generations to come. Nay, looking fur- 
ther, we are sanguine enough to see it no uncommon 
thing for benevolent gentlemen to have these industrial 
communities on their own country estates. Why not ? 
Why should it be a strange thing for large-hearted 
men, with ample means, to be such Christian lords of 
the manor going in and out among them as fathers and 
brothers ? This is to be one of the forms of Evangelical 
Brotherhood in the Johannean Church to come." 

One more explanation must not be omitted, as it 
concerns the "great St. Johnland text" which makes 
the motto of the seal of the Corporation. It is also 



THE GREAT ST. JOHNLAND TEXT. 439 

the legend of the chancel window of the Church, 
and the continually iterated, fundamental law of the 
settlement. 

"'This is .His Commandment that we should believe on 
the Name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, 
as He gate us Commandment.' He, in the second instance 
referring to Jesus Christ, we have here " — explained Dr. 
Muhlenberg — "the whole Gospel Law: the Father com- 
manding us to believe in the Son, and the Son, com- 
manding us to love one another. Would that this 
might be our sovereign and living law, and so make 
the place really a St. Johnland, not St. John's land as 
some would have it. "We have not dedicated it to St. 
John, but use his name attributively. Johannean, as 
expressing his characteristic spirit, in the hope that 
that spirit of brotherly love flowing from faith in Christ 
will make ours a St. Johannean Land, or, as we abridge 
it, St. Johnland. Happy shall we be if so blessed of 
the Lord " 

Some intelligent and travelled persons, in speaking 
of St. Johnland, and with the hereditary affinities of its 
Founder in their minds, have hastily pronounced it, 
"one of those rural institutions dotting everywhere the 
suburban districts of Germany." This is altogether er- 
roneous. What resemblance they find is simply in 
the superficial aspect of the place, its simplicity, un 
worldliness, and evident Christian rule. Those German 
Protestant foundations are primarily eleemosynary, re- 
formatory, or protectionary institutions; conducted in- 
deed by devoted, large-hearted men and women of like 



440 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

spirit with the Founder of St. Johnland, but having, 
with the same aim for the glory of God, a very different 
object and field of labor. 

Dr. Wichern of the Bauhe Haus of Hamburg was per- 
haps the nearest to Dr. Muhlenberg of all these devoted 
workers. Through mutual friends, these two brother 
philanthropists knew something of each other, and at 
one time there was a prospect that Dr. "Wichern would 
be the guest of Dr. Muhlenberg at St. Luke's, during a 
visit w r hich he proposed making to this country, but 
did not accomplish. His colony of cottages for the 
neglected little outcasts of the streets of Hamburg is a 
most self-denying and admirable undertaking, but not 
at all analogous to Dr. Muhlenberg's conception of ele- 
vating family life, in certain classes of our city poor, by 
means of the cottage homes of his rural and Industrial 
Church Village. 

In the second year of the Incorporation of the So- 
ciety, its first President, Mr. John David Wolfe, was 
taken hence. His death on the 17th of May, 1872, was 
both a loss and a grief to Dr. Muhlenberg. Mr. Wolfe's 
goodness and benevolence had, during his last years, 
been warmly thrown into Dr. Muhlenberg's Chris- 
tian labors, and of some, as for instance St. John- 
land, he was a very generous supporter. An ever- 
ready and liberal hand he had also in the multitude of 
demands made upon Dr. Muhlenberg's sympathy from 
all parts of the church. Dr. Muhlenberg had a fine 
generosity in pleading the cause of charities not his 
own, and his brother clergymen far and near, deacons, 



A MUNIFICENT FRIEND. 441 

priests, and even bishops, as well as lay people came to 
him for aid in their need. He never turned to them a 
deaf or selfish ear, nor could he be happy until he had 
done all in his power to serve them. 

His frequent resort in such cases, at this period, was 
Mr. Wolfe's house, where, after a facetious passage-at- 
arms between the two, he always obtained what he 
went for, and sometimes much more. An instance of 
the latter kind is remembered. Greeting Dr. Muhlen- 
berg merrily, at one of the latter's usual morning calls 
in Madison Square, Mr. Wolfe inquired, 

"Well! what's the matter now? Somebody's church 
burned down, eh ! " 

'•Xot quite so bad as that," said Dr. Muhlenberg; 
and then told his story. 

" Well, how much do you want ? " 

" Oh, a hundred dollars." 

Mr. Wolfe- laughingly put into his hand twice the 
amount, saying, 

"Will that do for you?" 

Something similar, though on a vastly larger scale 
transpired in relation to the building of St. John's Inn, 
or the Old Man's Home at St. Johnland. After Dr. 
Muhlenberg had laid before Mr. Wolfe the plan of 
this charity the latter sent him ten thousand dollars, a 
subscription it was supposed to be towards the work, in 
which others would share. Mr. Adam Norrie, learning: 
wliat had been initiated, said he would give five thou- 
sand to the same object, and Dr. Muhlenberg, greatly 
encouraged, went to Mr. Wolfe to communicate the 



442 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

good news. He was at once drolly met with feigned dis- 
pleasure, thus: "Pray, what business has Nome inter- 
fering with my work? When the ten thousand was 
gone, couldn't you ask me for more ? Did I say that 
was all you were to have?" And so, as stated in a 
previous chapter, St. John's Inn is the sole gift of Mr. 
John David Wolfe. He designed, -had he survived, to 
complete his work by the beginning of an endowment ; 
a purpose faithfully carried out, later, by the filial piety 
of his daughter, in the sum of fifty thousand dollars. 

It has been justly said of Mr. Wolfe that " he never 
did any thing penuriously, but, at the same time, his 
range was almost boundless. If he had 'pet' chari- 
ties, they did not shut others less engaging or less ro- 
mantic from his vision. He saw, with as vivid a dis- 
cernment, the claims of the cross of Christ on the coast 
of Cape Palmas, as he saw the needs of neglected 
and untaught children in the streets of hrs own city." 
The loss to Dr. Muhlenberg of such a friend is easily 
appreciated. 

Frequent comment has been made upon the peculiar 
faculty of Dr. Muhlenberg in obtaining money for his 
many and costly charitable undertakings. The expres- 
sion "he knew how to get at people's pockets'' is a very 
common one, more common than properly applicable. 
He did not consciously possess any knowledge as to the 
best means to such an end; and no one, perhaps, having 
a work of charity on hand, has been less of a special 
pleader for it than he, at least as to personal and indi- 
vidual solicitation for the support of his own projects* 



"HE TAUGHT US TO GIVE:' 443 

His remarkable power in this particular, is better 
expressed in the words of a venerable lady whose gen- 
erous and systematic benefactions in all directions ai e 
constantly accompanied by an outspoken acknowledg- 
ment of indebtedness to Dr. Muhlenberg for the joy 
she finds in such deeds: i; YTe owe it all to him. You 
know, he taught us to give." This was it. His un- 
feigned faith, his deep conviction and forcible enuncia- 
tion of Christian responsibility in the matter of wealth, 
together with his simple life, singular unselfishness, 
and genius for opening up new and large channels of 
true benevolence, have, it must be allowed, been power- 
ful influences in moving "the honest and good hearts" 
of his day and generation to a nobler and more Chris- 
tian giving. 

"It would be interesting," said one, "to know the 
entire sum which, from first to last, passed through Dr. 
Muhlenberg's hands for purposes of charity." Secretly 
and delicately as he did much of this part of his work, 
an approach to such an aggregate would be impossible. 
The question probably never entered his mind. He 
never made "looking glasses" for his good deeds. He 
rejoiced when the people gave generously for a good 
object, whether of his own proposing or not, would talk 
gayly about the amount, and, if of great personal inter- 
est, would be exhilarated by it; but those who knew 
him best, never heard him so much as glance at the 
probable total of money influenced by himself towards 
works of beneficence. 



CHAPTER XXV. 

1872-1873. 

A summer Holiday. — The Peasantry of Europe and St. Johnland. — Lon- 
don. — Essay on Potentiality of the English Bishops. — A Birthday 
abroad. — Home. — A Sea-Song. — The Bells of St. Thomas's Church. — 
Unimpaired Sensibility and Sportiveness. — Characteristics of early Man- 
hood unchanged. — Extract from Letter. — The freshest of the Party. 

The summer months of the year 1872 were spent in 
Europe, in company with two friends, and a young 
man as an attendant. The venerable head of the party 
proved himself fresh enough thoroughly to enjoy the 
holiday, and to be a most amiable and accommodating 
travelling companion. 

He carried his dear St. Johnland in his thoughts 
throughout the trip, longing to transport thither many 
of the ill-fed and oppressed peasant families of the 
Continent, with whom he sought and made acquaint- 
ance. Sometimes he went a little farther with them in 
talks to this end than there was a probability of being 
able so to serve them. 

He always enjoyed London. Besides its inexhaust- 
ible objects of interest, the repose of the vast city, not- 
withstanding its many millions of inhabitants, was 
very agreeable to him, and, at this time, seemed to 



THE ENGLISH EPISCOPATE. 445 

invite him anew .to the use of his pen. During his 
stay of some three weeks there, he sketched his Essay- 
on the Potentiality of the English Bishops, mentioned 
in describing the Memorial Movement. It was his 
design to re-write this paper, and to put it in proper 
shape for presentation to the archbishop of Canterbury, 
but the pressure of engagements on his return home, 
and various subsequent hindrances, prevented any fur- 
ther attention to the manuscript. 

The essay, though crude and incomplete, contains 
much that should not be lost, and written thus, when 
entering his seventy-seventh year, is an interesting 
witness of the grand old hero's unceasing battle for 
unity, and equally of his genuine reverence for the 
historic episcopate. 

The argument of the paper is very much that of 
one part of the Memorial to the House of Bishops, 
offered nearly twenty years before, or of his " Hints 
on Catholic Union," nearly twice as far back (1835); 
but with a special application to the English episco- 
pate, and the peculiar vantage-ground that it occu- 
pies in the premises. 

The following extract will serve as an example of 
the leading thought, which he carried out with his 
usual clearness, making many strong points: 

". . . . The Bishops of the Church of England 
from their ecclesiastical position — the historic prestige 
of their office; the moral weight of their character; 
their influence as the chief pastors of the church of 
Christ in a mighty nation, the centre of civilization; 



446 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

their diversity of theological sentiment, consistent 
with the orthodox faith; and other like advantages, 
have more power to turn the essential oneness of 
Evangelic Protestantism to practical account, than 
any other body of men in the world. 

" Suppose that they saw this themselves, — that their 
disposition was equal to their ability in the matter; 
and, consequently, that they, or any number of them, 
however small, would combine to use that power, no 
one could suppose it would be only an impotent at- 
tempt. . . . Some of the different ways in which 
the bishops could use their power for the desired end 
would be, for example: By making more a reality 
than it now is their office as bishops of their respective 
dioceses; by looking upon all the Christian congrega- 
tions, of whatever names therein, as, more or less, 
having a claim upon their care as shepherds of the 
flock of Christ, and accordingly visiting those who, 
though not owning their official jurisdiction, would 
kindly receive them — they not coming to assert their 
authority, but to speak to fellow Christians of the 
Common Salvation; thus taking opportunity to exer- 
cise the highest primary function of their office (for 
church commission to the first bishops was to preach 
the Gospel; government later fell into their hands), 
they might even be glad, as apostolic bishops, so far to 
acquit themselves of their duty, in preaching Christ 
to whoever would hear, whether those hearers ac- 
knowledged their jurisdiction or not. ... Or again, 
the bishops might encourage their clergy to distinguish 



IN ST. PAUL'S CATHEDRAL. 447 

among ' Dissenting ' ministers between the sound and 
the unsound in the faith; to hold fellowship with the 
former as preachers of the Gospel, though deeming 
them wanting in valid orders for the Christian priest- 
hood, if such priesthood there be. . . . " 

His birthday, this year, was spent in London. He 
attended morning service at St. Paul's Cathedral, where 
he enjoyed particularly the anthem, " Teach me, 
Lord, the way of thy statutes, and I shall keep it 
unto the end." The last words, his spiritual and po- 
etic mind accepted as a personal promise. As the 
congregation dispersed, he had the pleasure to meet 
Bishop Whittingham, and two other clerical friends 
accompanying the bishop as chaplain and secretary 
for his -attendance, by special invitation, at the con- 
ference of the " Old Catholics " at Cologne, whither 
they were on their way. A visit of Christian sym- 
pathy to some of the poorest patients in St. Barthol- 
omew's Hospital, and a dinner at his lodgings, glad- 
dened by the presence of two of his "boys," accidentally 
in London, carried him happily past another mile-stone 
in his life's journey. 

He sailed for New York on the 10th of October, in 
the steamer which had brought him out. The prin- 
cipal incident of the voyage was subsequently made 
the subject of a communication by one of the passen- 
gers, which we borrow. 

" Most persons who have traversed the i great deep,' 
know something of the dreariness of a Sunday at sea 
— the religious services, if thnre are any, often dull and 



448 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

tame, from their want of adaptation to the peculiar cir- 
cumstances of the worshippers. But a delightful ex- 
ception to the common experience fell to the lot of 
us, of the steamship Cuba, last Sunday morning. It 
was our good fortune to have as a fellow-passenger, 
the venerable Dr. Muhlenberg, of New York, who, with 
an energy and freshness of feeling, remarkable at his 
age and under the disadvantages of a sea voyage, 
made the day one to be long remembered by those 
who spent it with him. 

"During the week we had had a good deal of heavy 
sea, and some rather rough going; most of us were 
sighing for land and home. Possibly the minister 
was too, for he took this home-longing as the keynote 
of the day, and a very beautiful use he made of it. 
After an impressive reading of the lessons, and the 
grand old prayers of our church, he preached a ser- 
mon, written on board, from the words: 'In my Fa- 
ther's house are • many mansions, if it were not so, I 
would have told you;' dwelling, first, on the love of 
home, as a world-wide instinct of our social nature, 
and thence leading our aspirations to the home ever- 
lasting, with a power and unction which found a warm 
response in the hearers, as shown in the hearty sing- 
ing of the concluding hymn, an original composition, 
written by himself for the purpose. It was an ocean 
born 'Sweet Home,' having for its chorus: 

"'Home, sweet home, 
Earth's holiest love, 
Then, the one Home above ! ' 



BELLS OF ST. THOMAS'S CHURCH. 449 

"It afterwards appeared that during one of the pre- 
vious days of discomfort, the good Doctor had occupied 
himself in writing this Christian ' Home, sweet Home/ 
and three or four friends among the passengers had 
made a score or so of copies for the Sunday service. 
Nothing of the kind could have been more successful, 
— the tender, encouraging words, the old tune, the 
time and circumstances, were all in happiest accord. 
Many eyes moistened, many hearts were touched, every 
one feeling a proprietorship in the piece. In the after 
part of the day, little groups might be seen in different 
parts of the ship, making copies for themselves or their 
friends, as mementoes of the occasion " 

His facility for rhyming increased rather than dimin- 
ished with years. The next summer, when a chime 
of bells was under consideration for St. Thomas's 
Church (Fifty -third St. and Fifth Ave., N. Y.), some cor- 
respondence on the subject passed between the rector 
of the same and the Pastor of the Hospital, the latter 
strenuously urging the disturbing effect, which, from 
their close proximity, the chime was likely to have 
upon the sicker patients. His deep sympathy with 
his suffering charge made him unusually tenacious in 
his objections, so much so, that some one in the parish 
intimated to him that if St. Luke's Hospital did not 
like St. Thomas's bells, perhaps she had better betake 
herself elsewhere. A suggestion indeed had before 
this been made more than once in other quarters, 
that so magnificent a location as Fifty-fourth Stree v 
and Fifth A.ve. (a rude enough one when St. Luke* 



450 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG, 

was founded, however) should not be occupied by a 
Hospital for the sick poor, and fabulous amounts were 
talked of as likely to be offered for the removal of the 
Institution into a less aristocratic neighborhood. But 
the good Pastor never lent his mind for a moment to the 
thought, always assuring himself the building would 
remain where, with so much faith and prayer, it was 
originally planted. Still he felt the intimation in con- 
nection with the forthcoming bells of St. Thomas's, and 
having occasion to reply to a friendly note of the rec- 
tor's (July 12, 1873), wherein the bells were touched 
upon, he appended, by way of postscript, and as the 
conclusion of his argument, the following lines to the 
bell-founder. 

"TO MR. MENEELY. 
"Master-workman, ply your skill, 
Never mind how large the bill, 
Bells for hallowed use alone 
Metal need of choicest tone — 
Silvery notes so clear and sweet 
As the ear may love to greet, 
With no clanging, deafening sound 
Let them peal the air around; 
Soft ethereal harmonies 
Raising spirits to the skies, 
And when fullest, still so mellow 
That our sickest, on his pillow, 
Of the peal will ne'er complain — 
Lulling, not increasing pain. 

"Dear Meneely, heed my rhyme, 
Do your best in loveliest chime, 
Then St. Thomas from St. Luke, 



EARLY TRAITS UNCHANGED. 451 

Ne'er shall hear a cross rebuke; 

Nor St. Thomas ever say, 

* Good St. Luke, prithee away — 

Since my noise disturbs your ear 

Better go, where you'll not hear; 

For, in fact, with all your grace 

Not, exactly, you're in place' — 

Thus, on you how much depends, 

Neighbors, still to keep us friends. "— W. A. M. 

It is given to few to retain, in prolonged age, the 
sensibility, tenderness, and sportiveness, which, to the 
last, distinguished Dr. Muhlenberg. His heart never 
grew chill under the accumulated snows of his many 
winters. At seventy-seven he thus gracefully begins 
a birthday letter to the friend and handmaid of his 
labors: — "A dismal atmosphere for your birthday, my 
dear, — but it would have to be a thousand times dis- 
mailer, to keep me from gladness in it " 

Possibly rarely any have continued as much the same 
in ways and manners from the beginning to the end 
of life as he. His individuality is marked through- 
out. In most youthful diaries, one sees very little of 
the essential future man, but in Dr. Muhlenberg's boy 
journals, however immature, the personality is unmis- 
takable. Take a few pages written at fifteen, and an- 
other few at fifty, and the identity of the writer could 
not be mistaken. A pleasing and more direct illus- 
tration of this particular, exists in a recent letter from 
a venerable gentleman,* who was his Sunday scholar, 

* Mr. James Aertsen, Germantown, Pa., to the writer, Oct. 12th, 
1878. 

29 



452 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG, 

as far back as the days of his early diaconate in St 
James's Church, Philadelphia (1816). 

" Dr. Muhlenberg was my friend," he writes, " and a 
very dear one, in early boyhood. His first sermon, I 
shall never forget, impressed me most deeply, and 
I well remember the firm resolve then made that I 
should follow him into the ministry — a resolve made, 
I suppose, by hundreds of other lads, to be broken or 
frustrated as mine was in after years. We were then 
all at St. James's, and he undertook the task of train- 
ing some boys in church music, intending them for 

' the choir However, this effort of our dear 

Doctor's did not avail much. His prophetic mind, no 
doubt, then conceived what a boy choir would be, at 
some future day, but the time had not come. Per- 
haps he had poor material — at least, in one case 1 

know he had The impress of his charac 

ter was never wholly effaced. We met often in after 
years, and it was always a joy to me that he had not 

forgotten the past Clouds and showers, 

and storm and sunshine following each other, have 
left only the feeling which has never been lost, that 
Dr. Muhlenberg was the friend of my boyhood. Those 
who, like yourself, knew him in his green old age, 
found him the same genial, loving friend, whose cheery 
voice attracted our young hearts so long ago. I never 
knew one who seemed to change so little. The last 
time I met him, a few years before his death, I thought 
I saw in him almost all those traits of his very early 
manhood which captivated me at first." 



FRESHEST OF THE PARTY. 453 

Dr. Muhlenberg's wonderful buoyancy of spirit pos- 
sibly made him, not unfrequently, the younger in such 
meetings with his "boys," younger as to feeling. Some- 
where in the fall of this year or early spring of the year 
following, it occurred to him, circumstances furthering 
the thought, to invite to a little reunion at St. Luke's 
Hospital, his two first boys, now themselves fathers 
and grandfathers, together with a German youth who 
w r as his last boy, or u grace-son," as he then phrased it. 
The meeting took place, but w^as not attended with 
the pleasurable excitement he had anticipated. Lapse 
of years and the cares of life had greatly erased early 
memories, except in his own large heart, and whatever 
of sentiment or enthusiasm illumined the reminiscences 
of the hour, was all from himself. 



CHAPTER XXVI. 

1873-1874. 

One more Effort for Unity. — Address before Evangelical Alliance. — Rep- 
resentative United Communion. — Hedging in the Lord's Table.— 
Anticipation. — " Veni Creator." — The Dean of Canterbury, Bishop 
Cummins, and the Archbishop's Chaplain commune in Presbyterian 
Churches. — A Word going to the Root of the Matter. — Liberality 
of the Episcopal Church as to Communion. — An Evangelical Catholic 
Union. — Bishop Cummins' s Secession deplored. — A published Disap- 
proval. — Reformed Episcopal Church. — Not an earnest religious Move- 
ment. — Illness. — Mental Depression. — Spiritual Communion. — A last 
Writing in Journal. 

It remained for Dr. Muhlenberg to make one more 
public effort in the cause of unity. He was among 
the appointed speakers of the Conference of the Evan- 
gelical Alliance, held in New York in Oct. 1873, and 
his mind being at the time intensely occupied with 
the consideration of the Lord's Supper in its rela- 
tion to Christian Union, he waived the topic laid down 
for his address in the programme of the Conference, 
and read a paper that he had prepared on the above 
theme. 

This last has been pronounced the least wise of all 
his writings. That is yet to be proven. Time must 
show whether the principle lying at the core of this 
essay is a seed to -perish in the planting, or haply a 



REPRESENTATIVE COMMUNIONS. 455 

true mustard seed of the kingdom, growing up by and 
by into a great brooding tree of holy love and peace. 
It would seem quite possible that a man of Dr. Muhl- 
enberg's experience, so full of the mind of Christ, and 
withal so signally endued with originating power, 
might lead in a plan for genuine church fellowship, 
where some, at first, are not prepared to follow. " The 
highest mountains first catch the morning sunbeams." 

The address is an ardent plea for Kepresentative 
United Communions. What is meant by this can only 
be thoroughly understood by an attentive perusal of 
the published treatise.* Dr. Muhlenberg is careful to 
explain that he is not suggesting any interference with 
the accustomed order of administering the Holy Com- 
munion. "We all have," he says, u a strong attach- 
ment to our own eucharistic modes. Nothing here 
said would in the least disturb it. It is a pious attach- 
ment which it would be well-nigh impious to violate. 
Communicating within our own ecclesiastical house- 
holds we should be disorderly if we did not conform 
to their established order. Never, in the main, could 
I part with that of the Liturgy, enshrined in my heart, 
as it enshrines all catholic and evangelic truth." 

He glances at the strange fact that the Lord's Sup- 
per, in its origin essentially a bond of brotherhood, is 
an actual wall of separation between the different hosts 
of Christendom. Not to speak of "the wrathful con- 
troversies, the bitter theological strifes, the mutual ex- 

* See Ev. Goth. Papers, First Series, pp. 462, et. seq. 



456 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

communications of which this blessed ordinance has 
been the occasion — the centre of peace the very centre 
of war; there is the singular exclusiveness in the mat- 
ter common among all Protestant Christians. . . ." 
In a note referring to the general indispositkn oi 
Christians to communicate outside of their respective 
churches, he says allowance is to be made for it, "in 
their fears that in departing from the ways to which 
they have always been used in their communions, the 
solemnity of the ordinance in their minds would be 
impaired. ... So of some of the sectarian terms 
of admission to the communion — they are designed to 
protect its sanctity." " Once," he adds " when I was 
inviting the communicants of different denominations, 
in a ward of St. Luke's Hospital, a devout old Scotch- 
man wondered I could be so loose. I told him that in 
my church all who desired to come, unless they were 
openly unworthy, were welcome to her Board; and 
that, I added, I thought was to her peculiar credit 
and in the spirit of her Master. 'Xay,' he rejoined, 
'for the honor of the Lord, we must hedge in the 
Table of the Lord.' When we remember how much 
excommunicating there has been by the wise and 
learned for ' the honor of the Lord,' and in defence 
of human dogmas decreed to be his truth, we can 
excuse the old Scotchman. With growing light, let 
us hope there will be less and less of mistaken zeal. 
It is only among enlightened Christians, to be found 
among the lowly as well as among the high, that 
we can expect much affection for united communions. 



VENI CREATOR. 457 

These occasions, let me finally observe, would of course 
be extraordinary occasions, and should not be lacking 
in any thing of order or circumstance that would in- 
crease their solemnity and make it proportionate to 
their solemn object." fe 

After carrying the mind back to the New Testament 
exhibition of the origin of the sacrament, and to the 
Pentecostal Christians whom "we find keeping the feast 
in their private houses, where the apostles, who as yet 
w^ere the only ministers of the New Dispensation, could 
not always have been present to give their authorita- 
tive benediction," he suggests that the especial repre- 
sentative united communions which he has in view, 
would have, for their particular purpose, to be like 
those of the pre-ecclesiastical days wherein the Eucha- 
rist was ordained. He draws a glowing picture of the 
blessed effect upon the world, of Christendom fulfilling 
her prophetic type, " Jerusalem built as a city, at unity 
with herself," and concludes his address thus: "But 
all nothing, — communions, Alliances, hospitalities, — all 
nothing without larger outpourings of the Holy Ghost, 
in the love of Christ constraining us, in unselfishness, 
in the Spirit of conciliation and forbearance, in self- 
sacrifice, in the affection of hearty Brotherhood in 
Christ. Who will not pray for that in the invocation 
of the church for more than a thousand years, — Vein 
Creator." 

During the conference of the Evangelical Alliance, 
the action of the Dean of Canterbury, and of another 
English clergyman, a chaplain of the archbishop's, as 



458 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

also that of the then assistant Bishop of Kentucky, in 
partaking of the communion in three several Presbyte- 
rian churches, was pointedly criticised in one of the 
daily journals. With his heart full of the subject of 
intercommunion, Dr. Muhlenberg could not resist " put- 
ting in a word," going to the root of the matter, viz., 
the origin and essential nature of the Lord's Supper. 
In concluding his note, he says of the instance of 
communicating under review: "What was there to 
hinder it? of course nothing in the Bible, nor in the 
law of the Episcopal Church. She prescribes a cer- 
tain order of Holy Communion for her members com- 
municating within her pale; but there are baptized 
Christians outside her pale. Does she forbid her mem- 
bers ever to commune with them ? I have never heard 
of any of her ministers being disciplined for inviting 
non-Episcopalians to their chancels, which is not an 
uncommon thing with them. Indeed it is claimed as 
an instance of her liberal spirit. Thus recognizing 
Christians beyond her jurisdiction as worthy of a place, 
side by side with her members, in the highest act of 
Christian fellowship; how can she teach her members 
to eschew like fellowships when invited to it by Chris- 
tians of the same faith with themselves anywhere? 
She does not. She dare not. Intercommunion among 
Christians, to be exercised on their own private judg- 
ment, is one of their inalienable rights." 

From this time forward he loved to dwell on what he 
named "the ministry of the fellowship," often saying, 
"I would rather be called ; a minister of the fellowship 



EVANGELICAL CATHOLIC CONFERENCE: 459 

of Jesus, the Christ/ than by the proudest title Church 
or State has to confer." At the same time, these sym- 
pathies and labors for unity, not uniformity, in no 
degree impaired his steadfast affection for his own com- 
munion. As a true son he spared no pains to open the 
eyes of the venerable mother to her urgent need of 
greater flexibility and adaptiveness to the times, but he 
never dreamed of voluntarily separating himself from 
the primitive household. The secession of Bishop Cum- 
mins at this time, and other circumstances relating 
to the organization of the Reformed Episcopal Society, 
brought this out very distinctly. 

He had not been ignorant of the growing discontent 
of some of the best minds of the church, at the increas- 
ing bias in ecclesiastical legislation, and the correspond- 
ent growth of exclusiveness, both in theory and prac- 
tice. A few years back (1869) he had met a num- 
ber of such in an Evangelical Catholic Conference at 
Philadelphia, where his. presence and counsels were 
enthusiastically spoken of as "oil poured upon the 
troubled waters." It is remembered that then, as well 
as later, he would frequently express himself to this 
effect : 

" Let us have a good courage. Let us maintain 
what we know to be the fundamental principles of the 
Protestant Episcopal Church, prayerfully act up to 
our convictions and our inherent rights as her mem- 
bers and ministers of the Gospel, and leave the rest 
to God." Again: "If a hundred clergymen of good 
repute for godly living united in this 'Evangelical 



460 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLEXBERG. 

Catholic Union/ we should be listened to. and room 
would be made for us — or, if not, and we are 'cast out 
of the synagogue,' why then we should be martyrs in 
a good cause, and might glory in it. But this last is 
not to be supposed.'' 

The resignation of Bishop Cummins in the winter 
of 1873, with its sequences, was both a surprise and 
a pain to him. He deplored the creation of '• another 
sect," And when in the early days of the new organ- 
ization, presuming upon his sympathy in their church 
principles, and his well-known liberality of Christian 
sentiment, they indirectly claimed him as of their 
party, — allusions to this effect appearing more than 
once in print, — he felt constrained to disclaim all con- 
nection with them, as publicly as the contrary had 
been implied. In his note of explanation to the 
tors of the journal * who had thus brought him for- 
ward, he says, in relation to the bishop's grieva:; 
" I have constantly maintained that they could have 
been relieved by another than the sad alternative 
which he has adopted." 

A more distinct expression of his sentiments on this 
subject is given in the following extracts from the 
copy of a letter addressed to a brother clergyman, 
in reply to one from him in which he earnestly de- 
sired Dr. Muhlenberg's approval of the Eeformed Ej 
copal Church. 

It is an affectionate letter of some length. Dr. Muhl- 

* New York Tribune, May 15th, 1874 



BISHOP CUMMINS. 461 

enberg, says, among other things, " Bishop Cummins 
had no necessity to take this" step. He might have 
remained in the exercise of his episcopate, and have 
done what he thought right — or, if not, it was time 
enough for him to go when his liberty was restrained. 
So I told him before his resignation. I deplore his 
secession. I lament his forming another denomination 
so much identified with himself. It is not an earnest 
religious movement, not to be mentioned aside of 
Luther's or Wesley s or that of the Old Catholics. . . 
I have written Bishop before of my strong dis- 
approbation of Bishop Cummins's course. . . . " 

In the spring of the year 1874, an unwonted shadow 
fell across Dr. Muhlenberg's path, and was not re- 
moved for several months. Though not of robust 
physical organization, he had hitherto enjoyed almost 
unvarying health. Sometimes, while compassionating 
the Hospital patients, he would say, " What do I know 
of sickness?" Xow his turn came. He was visited 
with severe malarial illness, caused, the physicians 
thought, by the upturning, in the next street, of a 
great extent of new ground for the purpose of building. 

The malady did not effectually give way until late 
in the autumn, and, at its imminence, it seemed as 
though his life would succumb. The most sorrowful 
part of the visitation was the mental depression which 
attended the earlier stage of the disease, amounting, at 
times, almost to religious despondency. Friends and 
lovers mourned over the strange shrouding of his 
bright nature, and it may be that his excessive phys- 



462 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

ical weakness was taken advantage of by our great 
adversary for extraordinary buffe tings. So it seemed 
to some tenderly observing him. Like Bunyan's Chris- 
tian in the Valley of the Shadow of Death, where the 
saint could not distinguish the utterances of the fiend 
from his own voice. But at the worst period of this 
conflict, it may be said of him as of another of God's 
workers, u His doubts were better than most men's 
certainties." Nor was the darkness of extended du- 
ration. It passed off long before his recovery from 
the bodily disease, and the clouds never returned 
again. 

In the summer of this year of illness, and when he 
was beginning to feel a little more like himself than 
he had done for many previous weeks, he made a 
single, and, as it proved, final entry in his journal. 
There is a pictorialness and pathos in this last of his 
written communings with himself, covering in its large 
and feeble characters six pages and more of the book 
that claims for it a place in the story of his life: 

"St. Lukes Hospital, Sunday, July 12th, 1874. Ther- 
mometer 80. In my chamber. Too weak to be with 
them in the Holy Communion. Dr. C , my pres- 
ent assistant, conducting the services. I expected to 
be strong enough to take part only in the administra- 
tion. But the oppressiveness of the weather and my 
debility makes me content with spiritual communion. 

The Sisters and M , the good women of the female 

staff of the house, are there in true sisterly love. Be 
with them, Lord. Give them abundantly of thy 



LAST WRITING IN JOURNAL. 463 

Spirit, uniting them, more and more, in the fellow- 
ship of Jesus Christ. My dear , whom •thou dost 

wonderfully bless with unusual health and strength, 

still uphold her with thine especial grace for her 
soul. . . . Shall I ever be at the communion in 
the Chapel again ? Feeling as I do, I hardly hope it. 
' God's will be done,' I can say with perfect resigna- 
tion. If I pray — '0 spare me a little that I may re- 
cover my strength,' — it is not so much for the pleasure 
of doing more work, as that what I have done may 
be purified by my repenting of all there has been 
wrong in it, that I may be fitter for my change, 
'More washed in the fountain that cleanseth from 
sin. 5 Day by day, not anxious for the morrow, may 

1 patiently wait on the Lord, bearing or doing, as 
he shall graciously appoint. . . . Now they are re- 
ceiving — I am with them. May our bodies be made 
clean by his body and our souls washed through his 
precious blood, that we may ever dwell in him, and 
he in us. Now they are singing the 'Gloria in Ex- 
celsis.' The rain pouring and the thunder rolling its 
bass in the heavens. 

" ' Thou only, Christ, with the Holy Ghost, art 
most high in the glory of God the Father. Amen.'" 

Immediately after this came the following, in the 
same trembling hand: "The last time I discoursed 
in public was in my address before the Evangelical 
Alliance, in October 1873. I don't expect ever to ap- 
pear in the pulpit again, and I rejoice that my last 
subject was what it was, — United Eepresentative Com- 



464: 



WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 



munion. I am happy that such were the farewell 
words of*my public ministry. I was enabled to de- 
liver them with more force than had been usual with 
me for some time. I hoped to conduct the first of 
the projected communions, which was to have been 
this spring." 



CHAPTER XXVII. 

1874-1876. 

Gradual Convalescence. — Never resumed his Pen. — Gleanings from his 
Friend's Diary. — " Is it not legitimate ? " — Visions of St. Johnland. — Peo- 
ple asking his Blessing. — Shrinking from Compliment. — Fear of human 
Praise. — What People asked of him. — Esteeming others better than him- 
self. — "Christ is all." — A Conscience Void of Offence. — Last Use of 
his private Journals. — A Visit to the General Convention. — Improved 
Health. — Could Enjoy a Trip to Europe. — Counts his Residence in St. 
Luke's a Favor. — Never such another Christian within those Walls. — ■ 
Delight in small Services for the Poor. — "'Don't be too sharp in find- 
ing them out." — Notably Victimized. — Xo thing more to take care of. 

After a summer of oppressive weakness lie recovered, 
by almost imperceptible degrees, a measure of strength, 
so that on Thanksgiving Day, for the first time in seven 
months, he was able to assist in the Chapel services and 
other ministries of the house. But he never took up 
his pen again, except for a brief note, or to write down 
some of the many rhymes with which, to the end, he 
amused himself. A diary of his remaining days was 
kept by a constant companion, without his knowledge, 
and from its pages is derived what further insight is 
afforded of his inner life, as well as of the current of 
circumstances in which he was concerned. 

From the beginning: of his illness he took much com- 
fort in being at St. Luke's. One of the doctors kindly 



466 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

expressed regret that he should be sick in his own 
Hospital. 

He immediately rejoined, "Is it not legitimate?" 
adding later, "Thanks be to God that I am here — in 
this House of Mercy, this Lazarus's Palace, which I 
was allowed to build for poor sufferers, and now have 
for a home to die in. It's poetry ! " 

As he began to amend, used as he was to work, 
the enforced idleness of utter debility oppressed him. 
"The dear Sundays go by," he said, "but I'm not sick 
in soul." 

St. Johnland was his most frequent topic of conversa- 
tion, and supplied many a happy reverie that helped 
beguile the hours when he was "loaded down with 
weakness." "I have great joy in the thought of St. 
Johnland," he said one morning. " I have visions of its 
future which would make another Retro-prospectus. I 
see hundreds and hundreds of children, particularly 
poor girls who so much need protection, employed in 
different industries, especially horticulture — St. John- 
land the centre of Evangelical Catholicism — a church 
in a garden — ' Evangelical Catholic ' is too good a name 
to be lost — Tracts, catechisms, must be published there 
— That will be work for the children. The principles 
of the Church of the Testimony must be kept up. The 
historic episcopacy must be preserved, but other evan- 
gelists must not be ignored. Sisters of St. Johnland 
must be simple deaconesses, part and parcel of the con- 
gregation. I rejoice to think of the Evangelical Catho- 
lic principles to be disseminated through St. Johnland, 



"NOT FROM THE OLD ADAM." 467 

etc, etc. . . ." He continued in this strain so long, 
bis breakfast, meanwhile spoiling, that the friend to 
whom he addressed himself thought best to call his 
attention to the fact. "Yes, yes," he said, "I must 
stop. I'm fairly on one of my excursions. Sometimes, 
you know, I want to go; yet when I think of St. John- 
land, I would like to live a little longer. But as the 
Lord will. The great thing is to be wholly consecrated 
to Jesus Christ," 

At another time he said: " St, Johnland is a great 
pleasure to me. I have unusual comfort in thinking 
about it. As this joy does not come from the old 
Adam in me, it must come from the Lord. And he, 
who has brought it into being will, I trust, carry it 
forward. I should like to have seen it a little farther 
on — but Moses had to climb Pisgah to see Canaan, 
and I must climb the hill of faith to see the future 
of St. Johnland — Accept St. Johnland, Lord, let the 
foundation of it be for thy glory, which it may be 
the more that I shall be gone and have no glory 
in it." 

His merry humor did not fail to relieve the tedium 
of his sick room, occasionally. A visitor one day re- 
marked that he was looking much better. " Oh, an 
old clock goes well, now and then," he replied. Again: 

I stay too long. I ought to make my bow, but God 
knows best." One day feeling an access of strength, 
he said: 

"Lord build us up, that we may build for thee, 
And to thy glory all the building be." 
30 



468 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

Gentleness, sweetness, and considerateness pervaded 
all he said and did. To those nearest and dearest to 
him, every little attention brought some pleasant ac- 
knowledgment, and the grace at each meal was a fresh 
and original giving of thanks. For example: A tray 
with some refreshment being brought to him, he said, 
" Thanks, Lord, for this food, and for the friend who 
brings it. Grant that our friendship may be more and 
more consecrated here, and then consummated above." 
There seemed always to be present with him that 
" hungering and thirsting after righteousness w T hose 
very longings are bliss." 

Many came to ask his blessing in these days. Strong 
men would bow themselves in tears beside the couch 
of "the best friend they ever had," that his hands 
might be laid upon their head, and mothers brought 
their young children. One of these said, "My little 
daughter has never seen Dr. Muhlenberg, and I wish 
. so much that she should remember him ; if he would 
but speak just a word to her." Such requests, when he 
was well enough, were never denied; but if any at- 
tempted afterwards to speak of his goodness, etc., he 
would, at once, interrupt them, very commonly by join- 
ing his hands with theirs and proposing to say the 
Lord's Prayer together. 

At another time, when in his ordinary health, a rath- 
er grand lady asked in flattering words for his bene- 
diction on her two children, whom she presented a little 
ostentatiously as having been blessed by the Pope of 
Rome, and the Emperor of some other place. Without 



u l POSSESS NO SUC '21 POWER." 469 

any departure from his habitual courtesy, but with a 
look of pained humility, he drew back, saying, " Excuse 
me, madam. I possess no such power." 

He shrank instinctively from any unreality, and with 
this, from effusive compliment. He could enjoy honest 
appreciation, but usually seemed afraid of ail human 
praise. 

To an acquaintance visiting at St. Johnland, who 
was sincerely expressing herself with some warmth in 
commendation of his undertaking, he said: 

" Stop ! or else when I get there," pointing upward, 
" they'll shut the door on me saying, 4 You've had your 
reward.' " 

When his health broke down, the friend, upon whom 
devolved the burden of his private correspondence, 
could not but marvel at the extent and variety of the 
demands made upon his sympathy and benevolence 
from all quarters. A minute of certain instances oc- 
curring within a very brief period gives the follow- 
ing: "A lay reader in the West wants a commentary, 
selected, donated, and sent out to him — A missionary 
wants Dr. Muhlenberg's endorsement and introduction 
to a certain lady of wealth and benevolence — A grand- 
father wants sympathy and advice for a young grand- 
son — An editor wants the history of a beneficiary — A 
country minister wants board found for, and visit 
paid to, a parishioner of his in the neighborhood of St. 
Luke's — A stranger wants the Doctor's autograph, and 
a few words besides — A poor woman and eight chil- 
dren, newly from Ireland, want help; their minister 



470 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

at the moment of departure, told them to find out a 
clergyman of New York named Muhlenberg, and they 
would be all right — The librarian of a literary insti- 
tution in a distant town wants a valuable work, loaned 
by Dr. Muhlenberg, to be converted into a gift;" and 
so on. 

He used to take such demands as a matter of course, 
and, in his unfeigned humility, always esteemed the 
charitable labors of others as far exceeding his own. 
"What is my offering to the Lord," he would say, " com- 
pared to that of those poor-living, hard-working city 
missionaries?" Again, in bidding a loving farewell to 
a young brother bound for missionary service in Africa, 
he said: "You are going to the gold coast, but we 
shall meet again in the golden streets. Perhaps yours 
is the shorter way. Nothing that I have ever done is 
as great a token of love to Christ, as your going to 
Africa." * 

It was this generous spirit of appreciation, and the 
encouragement he was ever ready to give to another in 
doing good, that made him so great an inspirer of work. 
"Thy gentleness hath made me great," we all have 
to say to the Heavenly Master in any success, and 
Dr. Muhlenberg's large, unselfish sympathy with his 
under workers, his "gentleness," like his Lord's, often 
made such, wonder at their capabilities of usefulness. 

While reading the Life of Gordon, by Newman Hall, 
he condemned himself that the love of God had not 

* The Rev. W. Allan Fair. 



THE FUTURE EVERY THING. 471 

been more directly the motive of his works of benevo- 
lence- -" Still," he added, "I can claim that love to man, 
flowing from love to God, has been their impulse." 
Again: " Thanks be to God that I have done what I 
have. It would not be for the glory of God for me to 
Bay that the church and the world are nothing the 
better for my having lived. That would be to look at 
it as all from myself, instead of from God working in 
me. By his grace I am what I am, and to him be all 
the praise ; I have enough to ask pardon for. We can 
not be justified by our works, but our works prove our 
faith. ... It is Christ or nothing ! I have always 
felt this." 

At another time: "If I am called away now, I know 
whom I have believed. I am a miserable sinner, but 
Christ is all-sufficient. He is my all in all. . . We 
are partakers of Christ, if we hold fast our confidence 
.... What great things we have to live upon ! I 
do not say we live up to them, but we do live upon 
them. . . . Think of the future — the future is every 
thing or nothing. It can't be nothing, therefore it 
must be every thing. And so it is, and Christ is All. 
Day by day, I am surrendered to his will whether liv- 
ing or dying." 

Later, and as though he had been searching him- 
self through and through, he expressed devout thank- 
fulness that he had "a conscience void of offence tow- 
ards God and man." ". . . . I have no secrets to 
burden me. I have never said in the ear of man or 
woman that which might not be proclaimed on the 



472 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

house-top. ... I never knowingly wronged a creat- 
ure of a farthing." 

Frequent illustrations have been given of Dr. Muhl- 
enberg's habitual serious observance of the anniversary 
of his birth. The recurrence of the day this year (1874) 
was marked by turning back for the last time to the 
leaves of his earlier journals. Possibly he found him- 
self no longer able to use these records according to his 
design in keeping them; for during the two succeeding 
days, he gave what strength he could command to an 
oversight of his private papers, and collecting the man- 
uscript journals into a pile, said to the friend to whom 
he bequeathed the priceless treasures: " These are yours 
— They are mine no longer. Take them, but see they 
fall into no one else's hands. I hope you will find some 
grains of gold in the sands of my life." 

He had so far recovered at this time as to enjoy a 
daily drive. On one of these occasions (Oct. 31, 1874), 
when the General Convention was in session in Xew 
York, a gentleman who was in the carriage with him, 
proposed, as they passed St. John's Chapel, that he 
should step in for a moment. He did so, attended 
by his friend, and received a warm welcome. The 
house suspended* its business, and he was conducted 
in a sort of triumph to the President's seat. He re- 
mained but a few minutes. Bishop Whipple, whom 
he met on leaving the church, urged him to lunch 
with the bishops, but owing to his feebleness he dared 
not comply. 

This passing contact with his brethren, anl their 



COUNTS IT A HIGH PRIVILEGE. 473 

spontaneous kindness, cheered him much and disposed 
him to other pleasant exertions beyond the precincts 
of the Hospital, to which he had been so long confined. 
He even talked of the probable benefit of another trip 
to Europe. "I could enjoy it, if it were right,'' — then, 
suddenly checking himself — "Dear Lord, forgive me. 
After a long life of favors, my cup running over, here 
am I planning fresh pleasure for the brief remnant 
of my days." It was never spoken of again. 

He gradually threw off most of his invalid habits, 
and resumed his meals with the Sisters, excepting only 
the early breakfast. In his disability for the exercise, 
bodily and mental, of more vigorous days, he found 
increased delight in personal ministrations to the poor, 
whether patients of the Hospital or supplicants from 
outside. He spent daily some hours in this way, with 
constant ascriptions of praise for so convenient oppor- 
tunities of usefulness. " Thanks be to God," he would 
say, "for my residence here, where I can so easily 
speak the word in season to some poor sufferer." 

Again : " I consider it the highest privilege to spend 
my old age under this roof. This ministering to the 
sick is to me a means of special nearness to Christ. 
. . . I would not exchange my home here for any 
other, how excellent soever. ... I am repaid man- 
ifold any toil I have ever had for St. Luke's." 

With his venerable and saintly mien, he made a 
striking picture as he went about the Hospital in those 
days. His habitual in-door dress was a long black 
wrapper, broadly bordered with purple, which, fitting 



474 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

close to the spare figure, set off handsomely 1 is abun- 
dant white hair, or harmonized quaintly with the low- 
crowned, broad-brimmed hat, familiar to all who knew 
him, which he was accustomed to wear along the pas- 
sages in colder weather. His presence was a benedic- 
tion throughout the house, and his ministrations in the 
wards more and more tender and spiritual. "There 
will never be such another Christian within these 
walls," sobbed a poor woman, as she took grateful 
leave on her recovery — 

"True prophet, gentlest priest, for offering 
The service of his own great soul of love 
On altars not of human hands, but woes, 
Consecrate ever by his Lord's own woes." **" 

The lowliest offices of love were welcomed as choice 
opportunities of ministering to Christ. After giving a 
dinner to a poor purblind man, just discharged from 
the Charity Hospital, and which he made the latter eat 
in his own study, the maid-servant met him carrying 
the tray and empty plates back to the dining-room — 

"Oh, Doctor, Doctor," she exclaimed, "why did you 
not call me to get these ? " 

"No, no," was the reply, "I am a servant in the 
Lord's Hotel." 

Often he would take out of a Sister s hand the bowl 
of soup or plate of food — "the cup of cold water" so 
often asked at the Hospital door by one and another 
hungry wayfarer, saying, " Let me carry it. It is my 
joy to wait upon them." Thus were his days filled 



"DON'T BE TOO SHARP." 475 

with a multitude of small services, sweet with, divine 
affection. 

It required a little vigilance on the part of those 
around him to prevent a complete spoliation of his 
wardrobe, in his unwillingness to retain a garment for 
himself that would serve some poor needy brother. 
Occasionally, it was thought, these gifts did not go 
to the most deserving recipients, and the liberty was 
taken of gently intimating that, in one or two cases, 
he had been imposed upon. He answered meekly, " I 
am not so much imposed upon as you think; but, it 
is the goodness of God that leads men to repentance, 
and I hope by being kind to these people to do their 
souls good." He probably never gave temporal aid 
without a word of spiritual counsel. 

"But if you give away so bountifully," a friend re- 
marked, "you will have nothing at ail for yourself." 

" Then I shall be the more like my Master ! " 

At length, these outside applicants growing too nu- 
merous for his personal attention, he was persuaded to 
accept the assistance of the chaplain of the Hospital in 
sifting some of the stories. The latter, being on one 
occasion summoned from his company to see some 
poor persons, Dr. Muhlenberg called him back for a 

moment and naively said, "Don't be too sharp, J , 

in finding them out; " adding solemnly, "if thou, Lord, 
should'st be extreme to mark what is done amiss — 
Lord, who may abide it?" 

In a certain instance, however, he was notably vic- 
timized, and his bearing throughout was so charac- 



476 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

teristic, the story must not be left untold. Returning 
from his drive on a wintry afternoon, he found that 
a young man, whom, on the recommendation of a cer- 
tain benevolent association, he had two days before 
taken into the house as office boy, had absconded 
while he was absent, carrying with him Dr. Muhlen- 
berg's gold watch, a recent birthday gift, an antique 
silver snuff-box brought by a friend from abroad, and 
a pair of gold spectacles which had belonged to his 
mother. ... It was a robbery of peculiar aggra- 
vation. The youth had told a most piteous story of 
his misfortunes; and Dr. Muhlenberg, taking him into 
his study, talked long and earnestly with him, seek- 
ing to comfort him, and treating him lovingly as a 
father. He even gave him his own over-shoes, lest, 
being from a warm climate — he was a Virginian — the 
snow that then lay thick on the ground should give 
him cold in doing his errands. It was this care and 
kindness which enabled the fellow to see the little val- 
uables, and so strip his benefactor of every thing of the 
sort which he possessed. Dr. Muhlenberg's treatment 
of the theft was striking. First he expressed his grief 
that the boy should be so wicked, then his satisfac- 
tion that it was so clear who was the culprit, next, 
with the utmost sweetness, he put on a very common 
pair of iron-rimmed glasses that were found for him, 
saying :" Well ! now I haven't another earthly thing 
to take care of," adjusting them with smiling satis- 
faction, as though he had come into a possession. 
Later he said with a sigh: "As I talked with the 



RARE AND NOBLE, 477 

lad, the words, { I was a stranger and ye took me in/ 
came to my mind, and as a boy was wanted in the 
office, in the name of the Lord I took him in. I hope 
some of the things I said may yet come back to him 
and do him good." In all like occurrences he ever 
showed himself that rare and noble sort of Christian 
who, while hating the sin, loves the poor sinner, and 
would pour himself out to save him. 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 

1876-1877. 

Seldom at St. Johnland. — Delight in sheltering Children there. — Dr. Ad- 
ams's Lunch Party. — Another "I would not live alway." — Fourscore 
not Labor and Sorrow. — The Youth of the Angels. — The right Side 
of Seventy. — Does not expect to lie down in the Dust. — The Festival 
of the Ascension; — Happy Gathering at St. Johnland. — The Chapel 
Service. — The Founder's Well. — Muhlenberg Endowment. — Eightieth 
Birthday. — "Let me die in my Nest." 

In these latter years he saw his dear St. John- 
land very seldom. Many months intervened between 
his visits; its local affairs being administered mainly 
through his assistants. But he kept himself well in- 
formed as to all that was going on, and took great 
interest in sending down poor children for a share in 
the benefits of the place. Two instances of the kind 
occurred at this time in quick succession. A poor con- 
sumptive widow in the Hospital was near her end, 
and wanted to see her little boys. They were brought 
late one evening, by their uncle, the poor mother's 
brother and only relative, who was so intoxicated that 
Dr. Muhlenberg encountering him as he was about 
to take back the children, and fearing for their safety — 
they were but four and six years old — bade him leave 
them at the Hospital, and come back in the morning 



"DEATH OF THE FLOWERS.' 479 

to take care of them. The man was arrested and 
sent to the Penitentiary, and the poor mother died. 
Then the little orphans were tenderly gathered to the 
good Pastor s breast, and laying a hand on either flaxen 
head, he told them, as if it were a kingdom he was 
promising them, "Yon shall go to St Johnland, my 
dear children ! " The others were a family of four, 
deprived in a single day of both parents; healthy, 
well-reared little ones, but being recent immigrants, 
without a friend to shelter them in their sudden or- 
phanage, until Dr. Muhlenberg took them in. Opportu- 
nities such as these would enliven his spirits for hours. 
In the month of February (1876) he accepted an in- 
vitation to a rather remarkable lunch party. The Eev. 
Dr. Adams of the Presbyterian Church invited him. 
with a few other octogenarian friends, to meet a ven- 
erable gentleman who, bright and well in his nine- 
tieth year, was then expected on a visit. Among 
those present, were the poet Bryant, Mr. Peter Cooper, 
Mr." James Brown, the Rev. Dr. Calhoun of Syria, and 
others. As Dr. Muhlenberg exchanged greetings with 
Mr. Bryant, he playfully quoted with mock ruefulness 
two lines from the poet's "Death of the Flowers:" 

" The melancholy days are come, the saddest of the year, 
Of wailing winds, and naked woods, and meadows brown and sere. 

Mr. Bryant laughed, enjoying the application. 

" Coming to the table," wrote Dr. Adams in his men- 
tion of the occasion, u I requested Dr. Muhlenberg to 
ask a blessing, and taking from his pocket a slip of pa- 



480 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

per, which at this moment lies before me in his own 
handwriting, he read these lines: 

" * Solemn thanks be our grace, for the years that are past, 
"With their blessings untold, and though this be our last, 
Yet, joyful our trust that thro' Christ 'twiU be given, 
All here meet again, at his table in heaven.' 

" 'Amen/ 'Amen,' was the hearty response from that 
bright, beautiful, and cheerful group." 

Dr. Muhlenberg and Dr. Adams loved each other. 
"More than once," said the latter, "I have said to my 
family, when returning from some interview with him, 
in which he had honored me with a kiss, that I felt as 
if the Apostle John had embraced me, and repeated in 
my ear some words which had been whispered to him 
by the Master on whose bosom he had leaned at the 
supper." 

In the same month with the lunch party at Dr. 
Adams's, Dr. Muhlenberg completed another "I would 
not live alway," which is thus inscribed: "'I would 
not live alway' — A version written in illness in 1874. 
Revised at this time and dedicated to my beloved 
friend, Adam Norrie, for his eightieth birthday. 

"I would not live alway — I ask not to stay, 
For nought but to lengthen the term of the way; 
Nay, fondly I've hoped, when my work days were done, 
Then, soon and undim'd, would go down my life's sun. 

"But, if other my lot, and I'm destined to wait 
Thro' suffering and weakness in useless estate, 
Till I gain my release, gracious Lord keep me still, 
Unmurmuring, resigned, to thy Fatherly will. 



AN EASTER TALK. 481 

"Yea, thus let it be, so that thereby I grow 
More meet for his presence to whom I would go, 
2»lore patient, more loving, more quiet within, 
Throughly washed in the Fountain that cleanseth from sin. 

. "So the days of my tarrying on to their end, 

Bringing forth what they may, all in praise I would spend- 
Then, no cloud on my faith, when called for I'd leave, 
Calm in prayer, 'Lord Jesus, my spirit receive.' 

"But inside the veil — How, how is it there? 
Dare we ask for some sight, or some sound to declare, 
What the blessed are doing— afar or anear ? 
Oh ! but for a whisper, the darkness to cheer \ 

"Yet, why aught of darkness? Light, light enough this, 
The Paradise life— it can be only bliss — 
And whatever its kind, or where'er its realm lies, 
The Saviour its glory, the Sun of its skies." 

He would never allow that there was any thing 
woeful or forlorn in Christian old age. " My fourscore 
years are not labor and sorrow, I am sure, I can thank- 
fully say;" alluding to the Psalm in the burial ser- 
vice. On Easter Day, discoursing on the words, " And 
entering into the sepulchre they saw a young man sit- 
ting on the right side, clothed in a long white gar- 
ment," he broke into one of those instant, natural 
applications of the Gospel, so common with him, and 
so impressive. "A young man — an angel — and who 
ever heard of an old angel? Xo, nor (looking at the 
wan, pale faces of the patients around him) a sick 
or paralyzed angel. The angels have perpetual youth 
and health, that belongs to life and immortality, and 



482 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

righteousness is immortal. Our Lord Jesus Christ says 
of us in the resurrection kingdom, 'Neither can they 
die any more, but are equal to the angels.' . . " 

"Did you ever hear any thing so beautiful?''' said 
a poor, aged, trembling one, after the Chapel service. 
"And how happy Dr. Muhlenberg looked — -just like an 
angel himself." 

"We're both a good way on the wrong side of sev- 
enty," a worthy old friend observed to him one day 
as they exchanged greetings. 

"The wrong side!" exclaimed Dr. Muhlenberg, "sure- 
ly it is the right side, for it is the side nearest heaven." 

He manifestly enjoyed what one has called "The 
gran' delicht o' seein' auld age rin hirplin awa' frae 
the face o' the Ancient o' Days." * A brother clergy- 
man read at evening service the formula for Family 
Prayer in the Prayer Book where the petition occurs, 
" make us mindful of the time when we shall lie down 

in the dust." "A , do you ever expect to lie down 

in the dust ? " he inquired of his friend afterwards. 
"I know /do not." He occasionally used these morn- 
ing and evening prayers in the family, but invariably 
changed the petition alluded to, and also one in the 
morning prayer, regarding the remembrance of " the 
strict account to be given of our thoughts, words, and 
actions, at the last day, when, according to the deeds 
done in the body, w^e shall be eternally rewarded or 
punished by him who is apppinted," etc, — He always 

* MacDcmald. 



A DAY AT ST. JOHNLAND. 483 ' 

substituted the latter by these words: "May we so 
know our Lord Jesus Christ now, as our Saviour, that 
we may not then fear to meet him as our Judge." 

The Festival of the Ascension this year was a marked 
day. He spent it at St. Johnland, where about a hun- 
dred ladies and gentlemen from the city met him by 
special invitation of the Trustees, for the purpose of 
acquainting themselves with the work; thus far, owing 
to its remoteness, little personally known. Few who 
were present will forget the hallowed charm of that 
day. The picture of the venerable Founder seated 
under the trees in the midst of the groups of chil- 
dren provided for by his care, as he led them in sing- 
ing a Centennial song, an adaptation by his own hand 
of his President's Hymn; or, better still, the glowing 
Ascension Day service in the little cross-surmounted 
Church, which followed after, when for a few moments 
he held all hearts as he spoke on what to him was the 
theme of themes — "Brotherhood in Christ," from the 
words of our Lord, "Go tell my brethren, I ascend to 
my Father and your Father, my God and your God." 
He was not feeling as strong as usual, but there was 
a pathos in his somewhat broken earnestness, and in 
the meekness with which he asked that, if he had said 
aught amiss or omitted aught that he should have 
said they would pardon him, which was more elc 
quent, under the circumstances, than any grander dis- 
course. He himself was very happy. It cheered him 
that his guests were so evidently impressed with his 

St. Johnland. It was a young child to have so aged 
31 



484 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

a father, and he did what he could that day to be- 
speak friends and helpers against he should leave it. 
This tender anxiety gave a deepened interest to every 
expression of appreciation that met his ear, and he 
•watched, with pure and grateful pleasure, the impres* 
Bion made upon the company at large, by the primi- 
tive simplicity and rural beauty of the place. The 
weather was perfect ; the atmosphere fresh and pearly, 
and the great St. Johnland flag, never, in those days, 
raised except when the Founder was in residence, 
floated its Johannean symbols as a consecration of 
the whole. 

It was during this visit that the Founder's Well 
came into being. Dr. Muhlenberg, as if under an in- 
spiration, suddenly said, " Come, let us dig a well for 
the cottages." Beaching the place, he chose the spot 
where, eventually, excellent water was found, and 
having driven in a stake to guide the diggers, and 
uttered a text from St. John's Gospel, he uncovered 
his head and breathed a fervent prayer, and a father's 
blessing on the place. The well has since been very 
handsomely housed as a Tribute of Eespect to the 
Founder; the legend he chose, heavily engraved in 
brass, forming the frieze, thus: " Jesus said, Whoso- 
ever drinketh of this water shall thirst again, but 
whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him 
shall never thirst." 

In the month of September following, he was per- 
suaded, though reluctantly, to go again to St. John- 
land. For some time previous, a measure had been 




HIS EIGHTIETH BIRTHDAY. 485 

on foot for signalizing his eightieth birthday, by the 
presentation of a substantial sum ($20,000), as the 
beginning of a "Muhlenberg Endowment" for that 
work. It was well understood that no expensive 
gift to himself would be acceptable to his disinter- 
estedness and humility, but such an advancement of 
his latest work could be only a joy. The subscrip- 
tions were made with the utmost privacy, and only 
among choice personal friends. As the time drew 
near for the offering, more than one thoughtful con- 
tributor, fearing the effect of any sudden surprise on 
one so feeble, suggested that he should receive some 
intimation of what was in prospect. 

There was much talk at the time about the Bryant 
vase, recently presented to the poet at his fourthscore 
anniversary, and it was easy to lead Dr. Muhlenberg's 
mind to his own approaching fete. 

"Your eightieth birthday must be honored too." 

"Well," he replied simply, "people might give me a 
thousand dollars for St. Johnland. I should like that." 

"What would you say to five or ten thousand dollars 
for St. Johnland?" 

" Ah ! " he said, turning away, " that is not to be 
thought of;" and although the intimation was repeated 
later, he did not accept the possibility. 

It was desired that the offering should be presented 
at St. Johnland, and he was induced to make the 
journey the evening before, so that he might be rested 
for the demands of the morrow. He rose bright and 
well the next morning at an early hour, and the first 



486 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

event of the day was his acceptance, while yet in his 
chamber, of this grateful tribute. He was left alone 
w T ith his emotions for a while, then a choir of voices 
broke out in song on the green sward northward of 
the house. Young and old had gathered below his 
windows at break of day, to wish him joy of his eighty 
years, in the native birthday lyric sacred to his anni- 
versary. He threw up the sash and looked out. It 
was a beautiful sight. Every upturned face standing 
a little aslant that they might see him the better, was 
illumined by the newly risen sun, and beaming also 
with the pleasure of his presence. 

Leaning forward a little, that he might take in the 
whole, his countenance irradiated with holy love, and 
his arms stretched out and over them in unspoken 
benediction, he stood there awaiting the termination 
of their singing. Scarcely had the last word died 
upon their lips, wdien his own voice, strong and sono- 
rous led them in " Praise God from whom all bless- 
ings flow," then came the Lord's Prayer in heartiest 
accord, followed by a fervent, soul-breathing benedic- 
tion, after which they dispersed for breakfast in the 
several families ; and every household later had a brief, 
sweet visit from him. 

Dinner-time brought a gathering of another kind. 
About a dozen sons of an earlier day came down from 
the city to wish their dear father joy, between the 
morning and afternoon trains. Three of them were 
organists, and it being Saturday they had ^to return 
for the next day's duties. It was a genial, joyous 



IN HIS ELEMENT. 487 

company. There were rich, well-trained voices among 
them, and for " grace before meat," they chanted beau- 
tifully the " Gloria in Excelsis." Dr. Muhlenberg was 
in his element, thus surrounded by his boys. His 
spirits rose unusually. 

He said this was one of his happiest birthdays, and 
told them at length the story of the earlier part of 
the day, of "the Muhlenberg Endowment," and of the 
"Founder's Well." It was an enjoyable, if not very 
orderly, meal. In the midst of it the little ones of 
the "Children's Home" came pattering along the piazza 
under the dining-room windows, and sang their inno- 
cent congratulations. 

The young men rushed outside and brought in a 
troop of the pretty little creatures. Then there had 
to be hurrying for the train, and amidst so much happy 
interruption, dinner was but half over when it was 
time to go. Th^place abounds in fruit and flowers. 
A huge pyramid of these, intermingled, had been im- 
provised, under Dr. Muhlenberg's direction, as a centre- 
piece for the dinner-table. He pulled it all apart, as 
the guests made their farewells, and sent them off 
laden with the spoils, for refreshment on the road. 

In the afternoon came the ordinary festivities of the 
Founder's birthday for the whole settlement, in the 
fine old grove. It was thought that the previous 
exertions of the day would make him unable to be 
among His children there; but in the midst of their 
hilarity, some one joyfully exclaimed, " Why, there's 
Dr. Muhlenberg." 



488 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG, 

He had walked up alone from the house, and wag 
pausing a moment on the brow of the hill to gaze 
upon the scene. His slender form stood out strongly 
against the golden autumnal sky, the soft rich hues 
of which were all in harmony with the ripe saintli- 
ness of his well-nigh perfected spirit. He joined the 
holiday-makers, and all went as merrily as if that were 
not the last time he and his St. Johnlanders would ever 
be together again upon earth. But it was the last. 
Nor had he been unmindful that it might even be so, 
though he would cast no gloom over their joy by in- 
timating it. 

Eeturning to the city, as he reached the Hospital 
gate, he sighed out, in one of those rhymings habitual 
with him: 

"Having now done my best, 
Let me die in my nest, 
Trusting God for the resUI^ 

"Has it been so great an effort?" asked his friend. 
"Rather," was all the reply. 



CHAPTER XXIX. 

1876-1877. 

The Shadows lengthen. — Joy and Peace. — Effect of Birthday Tribute.— 
Public Esteem. — "From Tweed to Dr. Muhlenberg." — His Latest La- 
bors. — Last Visit to his Sister. — Washington's Birthday. — Sudden Illness. 
— Six Weeks of Trial. — Died as he had Lived. — Simplicity of Burial.— 
The Arrival at St. Johnland. — Impression on Bishop Kerfoot. — A No- 
ble Pageant. — His Grave-stone. — The Contributors. — St. Johnland 
Cemetery. 

Throughout the year 1876 he continued in comfort- 
able health, but the evening shadows were evidently 
lengthening. The long, beautiful day was mellowing 
towards sunset, and with an unclouded "joy and peace 
in believing" that made it the very fruition of the 
promise: "With long life will I satisfy him and show 
him my salvation." 

The fatigue and excitement of the birthday celebra- 
tion left no ill effects; and all that the founders of the 
Muhlenberg Endowment looked for, at the time, in 
their tribute, was abundantly realized ; for he saw in 
this combined and generous gift a token and pledge 
that St. Johnland would be provided for when it should 
no longer have a Fathers care and protection. 

Its Founders eightieth year was still more munifi- 
cently signalized in relation to St. Luke's Hospital 



490 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

which received during that twelve months, the quite 
extraordinary addition to its permanent fund of a hun- 
dred and thirteen thousand dollars.* A new song of 
thanksgiving was put into the mouth of the aged saint. 

The birthday gift for St. Johnland as it became pub- 
licly known brought him pleasure and enlivenment in 
visits and letters of congratulation from friends far and 
near, and even from strangers. A person in California, 
now prosperous, but first helped by Dr. Muhlenberg to 
extricate himself from pecuniary distress — though the 
latter had no memory of so aiding him — wrote from 
that distance of his glad and loving sympathy in the 
honor shown his former benefactor; an account of 
which he had seen in the daily papers. 

There were tokens also, at this time, of the place he 
occupied in the heart and mind of the community at 
large, which are remarkable and exceptional, taking 
into account his retiring and unworldly habits. Since 
his humility can no longer be pained by it, we may 
venture to record two or three of these as an illustra- 
tion. In his public acknowledgment of the "Bryant 
Vase," the poet, speaking of the far-reaching goodness 
of God, said, as if instancing the extremes of human 
character, "From Tweed to Br. Muhlenberg." Again: 
"A million of inhabitants and only one Dr. Muhlen- 
berg," was quoted by the author of the " Century of 
Nursing"; and very striking also were some closing 
words in one of the daily journals which, noticing, 

* This amount was the gift of living persons, no legacy or bequest 
is included in it. 



A PARTING. 491 

under the title of "A Blameless Life," the completion 
of his eightieth year, after outlining his unselfish labors 
Bays: "It behooves even those of us who are most 
doubtful about the dogmas, and most impatient of the 
exclusive pretensions of the churches, to be very chary 
of dismissing as 'effete' an institution which is still ca- 
pable of giving their full scope to the powers for well- 
doing of such an ornament to the human race as Dr. 
Muhlenberg." 

The year 1877 began brightly for him. There was a 
little revival of physical strength, and he was able to 
do more work among the patients and in the Chapel, 
and enjoyed it. He had not been as animated and in- 
teresting in the Chapel service for a long while, as he 
was the last time his voice was ever heard there. This 
was at evening prayer on Wednesday, February 21st. 
The whole of that day was well filled up. The morning 
among the patients and other poor: the afternoon in 
calls upon two sick friends and a long visit to his sister, 
then a confirmed invalid. He was accompanied on the 
occasion by his Sister friend, on whom, from the period 
of his illness in 1874, he had grown to depend for con- 
stant attendance and companionship. 

Little did any present imagine that it was the last 
time this aged brother and sister were to meet in the 
flesh; but had it been known, the parting could not 
have been more perfect. He had terminated other 
visits to Mrs. Rogers with prayer and blessing, but 
what so quickly followed, has invested the memory of 
that farewell with a beauty and solemnity of its own. 



492 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

Eising to go, he placed his friend's hand in that of his 
sister and with his own hands enfolding both theirs, 
said: " LeUus pray." The Lord's Prayer was repeated 
in unison, as the three stood together, and was followed 
by his fervent supplications for grace to the end and by 
praiseful joyous aspiration of the everlasting reunion. 
Then he embraced his sister lovingly, and as they sepa- 
rated, lifted his hands, vibrating in benediction, and 
with the sweetest of parting looks at her, left the room. 
Neither in life nor after death did she see his face again. 
Three days before this, he wrote his last rhymes. 
Perhaps he had a premonition that such they would 
be, for they were found, after he had gone, laid in 
his writing-drawer, dated and signed, quite contrary 
to his wonted negligence in such matters. They have 
an interest in that they are the last trembling touches 
of his broken lyre, still giving forth clearly and dis- 
tinctly the keynote of his life's faith: 

"Glad I am, thou knowest, Lord, 
"When I can to do the Brother, 
Mindful of thy parting word: 

Moving me, love one another.' 
But withal, my sin, my sin. 
Oh ! thy blood to cleanse within, 
Heart, and mind, and soul, I pray! 
Now, and for the last great day. 

"Feb. 18, '77. W. A. M. " 

He busied himself also on the same day about pro- 
viding the accustomed household treat for Washing- 
ton's Birthday, on the morrow. He was always care- 



NOTHING DISCORDANT. 493 

ful to pay due honor to the Father of his country: and 
the next morning, at breakfast, more mindful than 
those around him of the anniversary, he did not forget 
to add to his accustomed grace, u and may God preserve 
the commonwealth." He seemed in unusual health and 
spirits at that meal, and no one observing him dreamed 
that the day begun so cheerily in the Hospital family 
was to close in a deeper gloom than will ever again 
settle upon that house. 

" We know how Dr. Muhlenberg lived," said one of 
his college sons, "tell us how such a man died." To 
•which it would be as true as it is comprehensive to 
reply, "He died as he lived." Never was a symmet- 
rical, holy life more perfectly rounded off. The record 
of the six weeks of illness preceding his release, fully 
and carefully kept, reveals throughout, a wonderful 
harmony of word and action, with all that the strong- 
man in his strength ever presented for our love and 
admiration. From first to last of these days, there was 
nothing discordant or incongruous. 

Reverence and affection shrink from laying open the 
sacred seclusion of the sick room; but Dr. Muhlenberg 
fills a place in the hearts of his fellow Christians and 
fellow citizens which entitles them to see something 
of the closing scenes of his life ; and the more striking 
particulars may not be withheld. 

It was Washington's Birthday, as already said. Be- 
ing a public holiday there were many persons coming 
and going during the morning, and an extraordinary 
demand was made upon the attention of all the officials 



494 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG, 

of the institution. The beloved Pastor took only too full 
a share in the work, listening to poor people at the door, 
and accompanying visitors over the building, without 
its being perceived, amid the throng of business, that 
he was doing too much; nor, as afterwards appeared, 
that he had not been quite himself from eleven o'clock. 
The too late discovery of this, gave exquisite pain ; yet 
he thus fell " with his armor on," as he had often ex- 
pressed the wish he might do. At one o'clock, a terri- 
ble convulsion struck him down, never again to take 
the field. 

He was insensible for more than an hour, with fear- 
fully violent jactations. The best medical aid was 
in attendance, and all that was possible for his relief 
was done. ^As the convulsive motions subsided, his 
consciousness gradually returned. He asked for his 
Sister friend, the thirty years' companion of his labors. 
She was quickly at his side. Though suffering much 
pain, his mind soon became perfectly clear, and in the 
reaction that had then set in, he began to talk in almost 
his usual tones. He was never again able to express 
himself as strongly and coherently, and every word 
of that precious afternoon was eagerly treasured with 
deep thankfulness for the privilege of hearing him 
speak once more. 

He supposed he was dying, and took affectionate 
leave of her, adding: "Not for long. Friends in 
Christ can not be long parted. Our union has been 
in Christ and for Christ; we can look the angels in 
their faces with it." 



"I am ready: 1 495 

After a pause, he said: " Praise the Lord, I have had 
a good time. Thanks, thanks, thanks ! I have lived 
long enough. I am ready. What would signify a year 
or two longer of life ? I do not think there is any more 
that I could do. Lord, forgive all that has been amiss." 

He sent last messages to those dearest to him, and 
spoke most of all of St. Johnland; charging her who 
sat by him to keep on bravely and fearlessly in the 
work there, confident that it is of the Lord ; after which, 
lifting up his arms and eyes heavenward he so be- 
sought grace and blessing for it that the answer 
could not be doubted. 

After recapitulating some last directions, he said, 
" My back aches severely, but never mind. It is good 
for me to suffer something," and then he repeated, 
distinctly and unhesitatingly, the last three verses of 
the hymn which had been his favorite in boyhood: 

"Jesus, my Lord, I know his name, 
His name is all my trust, 
Nor will he bring my soul to shame, 
Nor let my hope be lost. 

"Firm as his throne his promise stands, 
And he can well secure 
What I've committed to his hands 
Till the decisive hour. 

"Then will he own my worthless name 
Before his Father's face, 
And in the New Jerusalem 
Appoint my soul a place." 



/ 



496 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

After tins, great restlessness ensued and the next 
day was a most distressing one from a cerebral disturb- 
ance which, without impairing his consciousness, haunt- 
ed him with phantasmagoria in a very harassing man- 
ner. His endurance of this new trial was striking. 
He would describe and analyze the phantoms — now 
a huge balloon, floating over his bed, then the walls 
were covered with hieroglyphics, or perplexing dia- 
grams spread themselves over the ceiling; these were 
so real to him that he could sometimes hardly be per- 
suaded his attendants did not see them. Later the 
apparitions increased fearfully and his suffering was 
intense. He was always jealous as to a sound mind 
and began to fear for his reason. He bade his Sister 
nurse pray the Lord to take him away by whatever 
violence, rather than to suffer him to live on in im- 
becility. Seeing her grief, he suddenly calmed him- 
self, exclaiming, with attempted cheerfulness, "Well, 
well ! It can't be helped, many have had them. It's 
all right, a good discipline for me." 

Throughout his illness, rarely a wakeful hour passed 
without some interesting, holy words, and the greater 
part of his nights, whether fully awake or but semi- 
conscious, were spent in absorbed, audible "stress of 
prayer." Amid thickened speech and broken utter- 
ance, one could hear pathetic supplications and joy- 
ous praises. " Lord, forgive my mistakes. Forgive 
my sins. Wash me clean. Jesus, thou art all in all. 
Praise, everlasting praise ! " Then, from time to time, 
he would lift his arms over his head, clasp hi§» hands, 



"THAT IS THE CHURCH." 497 

and seem in rapturous communion with far oth ftr than 
the poor watchers at his bedside. 

Sometimes, after lying apparently asleep or as una- 
ware of any one's presence, he would abruptly utter 
something that showed how his thoughts were occu- 
pied; thus, without any previous reference to the sub- 
ject: 

"Our Lord did not send Judas out before the com- 
munion, that would have been to make or proclaim 
him a traitor. Judas icent out, and then it was as 
if Jesus had said, 'The traitor has gone, now, my be- 
loved ones, come and partake of the parting feast." At 
another time: " Those Alpine chapels — how sublime 
that among those heights there is ceaseless worship." 
Again: "'Love one another as I have loved you' — 
'Love one another!' — Yes, that's it; that's the church." 

During a delirious night he broke out into a rhapsody 
On Evangelical Catholicism. He seemed to be address- 
ing a congregation of ministers in the Church of the 
Testimony at St. Johnland, spoke eloquently of the 
Fatherhood of God — the Brotherhood of men in Christ. 
Suddenly, as though visited by applicants for relief, 
he asked his nurse to get him a pair of shoes for a 
man who he thought asked for them; after which he 
sank exhausted into a sleep of some duration. On 
awaking he said, "Well, has he got them?" "What 
do you mean ? " it was asked. " Why, the poor fellow 
who wanted the shoes. See that he is not sent off 
without them." In the wanderings of his mind he 
was constantly occupied in the relief of the poor. 



498 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

He made much, as was always his habit, of the ac- 
commodation and attendance secured for him: " Xo 
royal person could be better provided. Such rooms, 
such comforts, such doctors and nurses." He was never 
left exclusively to hired attendants, however trust- 
worthy, and he appreciated it.* After thus review- 
ing his mercies he would clasp his hands saying: 

"Ten thousand thousand precious gifts, 
My daily thanks employ; 
Nor is the least a cheerful heart, 
That tastes those gifts with joy. 

At another time: "If I have many sorrows, I have 
innumerable mercies." 

Towards the middle of March there was a little re- 
vival of strength, bodily and mental, but speedily 
to die out again. The tenor of his days was the same 
whether better or worse — prayer and praise and per- 
fect submission to God's will, with loving words arid 
ways to his attendants, and now and then a little play 
of his quaint humor. 

"You look better to-day," a friend remarked. 

"I have my ups and my downs," he said; "by and 
by, the wave will come that will float me over." 

* His physicians were Dr. William H. Draper, and Dr. Charles 
Packard. His chief nurse was his Sister friend, the House Mother 
and then Superintendent of the Hospital, who was devotedly aided 
by a former pupil of Dr. Muhlenberg's, the Rev. Dr. McNamara, at 
that time, acting Chaplain for St. Luke's and assistant Pastor of St. 
Johnland. 



"AMEN, AMEN. 1 ' 499 

One morning, at his usual dressing-time he seemed 
so languid, so absent or far away, and so unwilling to 
be moved, that his attendant was directed to defer his 
morning duties awhile, the Sister adding: "I do not 
think it right to disturb him as he now lies." To the 
surprise of all present, he instantly said in a strong, 
sonorous voice, "Amen, Amen! Thank you." 

A little later the barber came, and was told his ser- 
vices would be dispensed with that day. The man- 
was rather a privileged person, in his way, and t instead 
of taking his departure, as was expected, placed him- 
self full in front of Dr. Muhlenberg's bed, and re- 
mained there, unwilling to lose what he came for. 
" Do you feel able to be shaved, sir ? " some one asked. 
"No! I feel too weak." Then, opening his eyes, they 
fell on the persistent barber. At once, he roused him- 
self. " Oh ! yon are there, are you ? You want your 
job, of course. Well ! I'll give you a chance," and so 
he did, without further delay, unequal as he felt for 
the exertion. 

St. Johnland was almost daily on his lips in prayer 
or blessing, and tidings from there always roused him. 
Some one, not well- conversant with the work, remarked 
that it would be a desirable locality for a young gentle- 
men's school. With unusual quickness he said: " Oh 
no ! I could never give it up to that. That would be 
to have it supported by the world, and the world would 
carry it on in its own way." 

About two weeks before Easter, what faint hope 

there had been that he might rally for a while was 
32 



500 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

suddenly brought to an end by the setting in of alarm- 
ing symptoms. He quickly discerned the anxiety of 
the medical men and the distress of his friends. "Don't 
be afraid," he said to the latter. " Xever mind. It 
could not be long, at any rate, I am satisfied. The 
heavenly Jerusalem — we'll meet again there." 

At another time: "How could things be more beau- 
tifully ordered for my departure, 

"Lord, what can I ask of thy Providence more, 
Than thus to leave for the heavenly shore." 

Again: "I am as it were wounded on the battle-field, 
but I can still work. I can send up messages from 
this sick bed to the patients in the wards and in the 
Chapel, and I can pray for all." One of his messages 
later was as follows: "Tell them upstairs not to be 
putting up prayers for my recovery, for I am asking 
the Lord to call me home. I don't wish confusion in 
our prayers." Then: "Jesus, Good Shepherd, take me, 
take me. that I had wings like a dove, then would 
I flee away and be at rest." "I am so tired," he said, 
on another occasion; "so oppressed with languor and 
weakness, I know not what to do." " If we could but 
help you," was said in reply. " What can we do that 
you may be eased?" Instantly he answered, "Be 
strong in the Lord and in the power of his might," 
and in so saying the burden seemed momentarily lifted 
from him. 

A Sister and others would from time to time come 
for his blessing. On one of these occasions, he asked 



"THOSE ARE GLORIOUS WORDS." 501 

rather urgently, for a young Sister newly entered when 
he was taken ill, and who had evidently been much 
on his mind, though he had hardly seen her. He laid 
his hands on her head as she kneeled by him, with a 
prayer that being "found faithful unto death she might 
receive the crown of life." 

He grew much worse, sometimes remaining in a 
nearly comatose state for hours, then brightening up, 
he would talk much and pray still more. Bishop Ker- 
foot spent some days with his beloved old master, 
and on Palm Sunday took advantage of more contin- 
uous consciousness for the celebration of the Lord's 
Supper. The bishop had received his first communion 
at the hands of him to whom he now gave his last. 
Dr. Muhlenberg enjoyed the privilege of communing, 
''More than I expected," he faltered out, and although 
he sank into semi-consciousness through a large part 
of the service, true to his joyous nature, he was him- 
self in all the more praiseful parts of the office, joining 
particularly, with some strength of voice, in the Ter 
Sanctus and Gloria in Excelsis. 

On Good Friday, he was able to listen comfortably 
to some reading from St. John's Gospel. It was the 
eleventh chapter, the raising of Lazarus. At the pas- 
sage, " Whoso liveth and believeth in Me shall never 
die," he exclaimed, " Yes, those are glorious words. 
Those are my death words. This is the happiest day 
of my life." 
' " Do you expect to die to-day ? " it was asked. 

"No, I feel rather strong." 



502 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

A little after he said, " If the Lord would but come 
and take me — but as he wills." 

The bells of St. Thomas's Church were silenced very 
frequently during that Lent, in tender regard for the 
venerable sufferer. The rectors usual kind morning 
inquiry on the subject was referred to the patient on 
a certain day, when he was brighter than usual. " I 
don't like those Lenten tones," he said, " but let them 
ring," adding, u I feel lively." 

But if those penitential minors were in ill accord 
with his Christian joyousness, the beautiful bells w T ere 
amply vindicated when Easter Day came. Steadily 
declining as he then was, scarcely at all alive to ordi- 
nary matters, when at the dawn of the festival, they 
sounded forth triumphantly, " Jesus Christ is risen to- 
day, Hallelujah," he was transported with pleasure, 
endeavoring to accompany them with his voice and 
again and again expressing his delight. " Beautiful ! 
Beautiful ! Praise, all praise ! " After enjoying the 
early bells, he recited the Te Deum antiphonally 
w r ith his friend, remarking at the close that the as- 
cription "Holy, Holy, Holy," ought to be said in 
unison by the clergyman and the congregation: Af- 
ter he had rested a while, his favorite Easter verses 
w T ere read to him from the twentieth of St. John: 
" Go tell my brethren, I ascend to your Father and 
my Father, your God and my God." "Thank you," he 
exclaimed, not without some ring of his wonted joy- 
ousness, "those are glorious words. They should be 
written in diamonds and rubies," repeating them again 



SIXTY HOURS. 503 

to himself. Later he wanted some Easter music in his 
room. A beloved musical son, who was present, drew 
the melodeon from the study to the door connecting 
with the bedroom, and played and sang " Christ the 
Lord is risen to-day, sons of men and angels say." Dr. 
Muhlenberg joined with all the voice he could com- 
mand, in the chorus after every verse. This was his 
last song of praise below. 

As Easter Day wore on, he sank into a more com- 
atose condition than had yet been. He was with diffi- 
culty roused to take nourishment, but in every lucid 
interval there were broken utterances of prayer and 
praise, and of longings "to depart and be with Christ," 
During the succeeding day, his consciousness became 
increasingly obscured, and so continued until the dawn 
of Friday, April the 6th, when he was heard to utter 
some petitions of the Lord's Prayer. A little later he 
said a faint "Good morning" to his friend as she bent 
over him, and that was the end of his intercourse with 
earth. 

He never spoke again, nor opened his eyes, nor 
moved upon his pillow, nor took the slightest nourish- 
ment, though his final release was not until the Sunday 
night following. 

It was a watch of sixty hours. Breathing almost 
imperceptibly, without the least sound of the voice, 
or stir of hand or foot, the form so venerated, so 
beloved, lay utterly prostrate, with an entire shroud- 
ing of mind and soul. Some who watched there could 
not have borne -the sight, but for the thought of the 



504 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

cross of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the infinite mys- 
tery and marvel of the obscuring of the Divine as 
well as the human spirit, ere the Lord entered Paradise. 
He died on Sunday night, April 8th, at a little after 
ten o'clock. The only perceptible change at the mo- 
ment of dissolution, was the unmistakable shade that 
passed over the face. The friend whom he had so 
often charged to see him " safe out of the world," 
fulfilled the behest to the utmost, kneeling by his 
couch and holding his dying hand till the last faint 
pulsation of life had some time ceased. 

Few were present, at the moment, in addition to the 
habitual attendants of that sacred room. His niece, 
and, next to Mrs. Rogers, only near relative, Mrs. Chis 
olm, with members of her family; three of his "sons in 
the Lord," a friend from St. Johnland, and the Rev. Dr. 
Geer, accidentally calling at the house with loving in- 
quiry, were all. The latter came in only a few min- 
utes before the saint's release, and said the last prayer 
for him. A breathless silence followed. Then, all rose 
and recited together the Gloria in Excelsis. There was 
nothing left to do, but to give thanks, even though 
eye and heart were straining yearningly after him — - 
" My Father, my Father, the chariots of Israel and 
the horsemen thereof!" 

The funeral, in accordance with his expressed wishes, 
was markedly plain. " I desire to be buried as the 
poorest of my brethren." 

On a certain occasion, replying to some counsels of 
prudence, he had said, U I only need to leave enough 



"EVERY BODY'S FATHER IS GONE." 505 

to bury me." He did not do this. All he possessed 
at his death was forty dollars, in two gold pieces, given 
him shortly before his illness. This gold was after- 
wards bestowed upon a devoted attendant of his sick 
room. 

A eulogy, attributed to William Cullen Bryant, con- 
tains the following: "Other men have accumulated 
wealth that they might found hospitals; he accumu- 
lated the Hospital fund as such, never owning it and 
therefore never giving it. The charitable institutions 
which he founded, were to him what family, and 
friends, and personal prosperity are to men generally, 
and dying as he did, poor, in St, Luke's Hospital, he 

died a grandly successful man " The above 

brings to mind a satire once uttered by the departed, 
in reference to the accumulation of enormous wealth; 
he called it, "living to die rich." 

He was buried on the fourth day after his decease. 
The interment was at St. Johnland; the preliminary 
part of the office in the Chapel of St. Luke's Hospital, 
on the day previous. 

The remains were robed in surplice and stole, with a 
copy of St. John's Gospel, opened at the fourteenth chap- 
ter, lying upon the breast. Some two hours in advance 
of the time appointed for the service in St. Luke's, the 
body was laid in its place before the chancel, in order 
that the patients and others so desiring, might have 
full opportunity to see his face in death. A guardian 
of the precious dust was necessary to control the dem- 
onstrations of grief One poor widow passionately 



506 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

kissed his name upon the coffin lid, exclaiming, "Every 
body's father is gone." 

The Chapel was not large enough to receive the 
multitude who came to the funeral. "Dr. Muhlen- 
berg's taste and feeling," said one, "revolted from the 
lisplay and extravagance of floral funeral tributes; 
but, if every one who loved and honored him, from 
all classes and conditions of men and women, and 
from all the branches of the Christian church, should 
lay but a violet or a crocus upon his bier, his grave 
would not contain the flowers." 

The remains, accompanied by a few personal friends, 
including Bishop Kerfoot, were conveyed from the city 
by the evening train, in readiness for the burial on the 
morrow. The St. Johnland station was reached just 
after sunset. As the cars stopped, the little platform 
was seen crowded with boys, older and younger, wait- 
ing in awed silence for the arrival, of all that remained 
to them of their friend and father. 

The casket was transferred to the hearse in waiting, 
and next to it, in sad procession, followed these young 
St. Johnlanders, on foot. The friends from New York, 
in their conveyance, completed the cortege. It took 
fully an hour thus to make the mile and a half of dis- 
tance between the railroad station and the gate-house 
of the village; the twilight meantime deepening, and 
the distant tolJing of the Church bell falling mournfully 
upon the ear. 

"Well! well!" Bishop Kerfoot said, as he caught 
sight of the gathering at the railroad station, and 



THE ARRIVAL. 507 

then followed them in their close attendance upon the 
hearse, "This is reality. This is what he would have 
liked." 

There was just light enough, on arriving, to descry 
the sobbing groups, issuing from the different houses. 
All followed the funeral train into the Church, dimly 
lighted at the chancel, where the remains were rever- 
ently placed, and from that moment, faithfully guarded 
by relays of young male communicants, both through- 
out the night, and until the hour of burial, next day. 
The little sanctuary was thronged, making deep, solemn 
shadows in the unlighted aisle. It was impossible to 
separate without united prayer. The bishop led in an 
improvised service, not a mournful one; but looking 
upwards, whither the sainted father had gone, lifting 
the thoughts of those true mourners, from the sad 
mortality before their eyes, to the unspeakable joy of 
his beatified soul in Paradise. 

In a private letter, the bishop afterward wrote: "That 
journey to St. Johnland, specially that slow walk from 
the train to the gate, and then, that strange, quiet, 
solemn movement in the dusk towards the Church, 
among those groups of Ms sheltered orphans, old and 
young; and that entrance and silent depositing of 
the body — and that service of trust and triumph, that 
no sadness could suppress — Oh ! what a true and noble 
pageant was it all, in the sight of holy angels looking 
on. No old story of the church can surpass it. . . . 
I recall none other so significant " 

The burial took place in the early afternoon of the 



508 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

next day, after the arrival of the morning train from 
New York. Dr. Muhlenberg had been explicit in his 
directions, that no invitations were to be sent, and no 
sermon or address was to be added to the appointed 
service of the church, which again was to be read by 
a single clergyman, whoever might be on duty. Also, 
there was to be no anthem, or ornamental music, but 
a simple hymn of faith to some well-known plain tune. 

A large concourse gathered. " Bishops and other 
clergy," college sons of former days, dear kindred 
and loving friends and neighbors thronged to pay 
him a last tribute of respect and affection. Every 
thing was done as he would have wished. The aged 
brethren from St. John's Inn, with the poor children 
from the different houses led the funeral procession as 
it wound around the little church, and up the hill to 
the cemetery. 

No hired official took part in the interment. Four 
St. Johnland communicants bore the coffin, other com- 
municating members of the Community had dug and 
shaped the grave, and stood waiting there in readiness 
to complete their sad though voluntary and privileged 
task. Bishop Kerfoot and the venerable Dr. Diller, — 
oldest of the long line of his college sons, — dropped the 
earth on his sacred ashes at the words of committal; 
the usual prayers w^ere said, a hymn sung— 

"Angels and living saints and dead, 
But one communion make; 
All join in Christ, their vital head, 
And of his love partake " — 



HIS GRAVE-STONE. 509 

And so " every body's father," and the " St. John " of 
these latter days was buried. 

Possibly some present said in their hearts that which 
one of the funeral guests was heard openly to ex- 
press: "What a poor little place to put so great a 
man in." Yet he sleeps well in his own St. Jotmland — 
a father in the midst of his children, and " where," as 
he loved to say, " I can speak from my grave for the 
1 Evangelic Brotherhood.' " 

And this he does. Almost immediately after the 
funeral, contributions were spontaneously offered to- 
wards the erection of a durable stone, or " monument," 
as it is popularly called, to mark the resting-place of 
the precious remains. Dr. Muhlenberg's long esteemed 
friend and brother in the ministry, Dr. Heman Dyer, 
acquiesced in a request that he should be the treasurer 
of this fund, and announced from time to time, over his 
own name, the contributions as they came in. Without 
any solicitation nearly twelve hundred dollars were re- 
ceived. The cost of the stone was between eight and 
nine hundred dollars. The balance was expended in 
improving the burial ground which is now enlarged to 
twice its original size, enclosed by a well-built rustic 
fence of native cedar-wood, and with the tall trees that 
shade it and the sweet surrounding scenery, forms a 
beautiful rural cemetery. 

The subscriptions to the stone consisted largely of the 
offerings of poor persons, often in sums of fifty and 
twenty-five cents. One poor little girl sent four cents, 
a poor boy, with small earnings, " Two dollars for the 



510 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

Doctor's head-stone," and another contributor, five dol- 
lars, with these words: "From a Bishop who would 
be glad to sit at his feet in heaven." 

The "monument," of dark polished Aberdeen gran- 
ite, is composed of a solid but gracefully propor- 
tioned cross upon a handsome massive cube, heavily 
capped; the whole standing ten and a half feet high, 
with a foundation six feet in depth. It is placed at 
the head of the grave, and indestructible and im- 
movable, so guards the sacred spot, At the intersec- 
tion of the arms of the cross, one on each side, are 
the ancient monograms of the "Alpha and Omega" 
and "Jesus Hominum Salvator." Dr. Muhlenberg had 
left in writing: "If I have a tomb-stone, I want these 
words on it — 'I know whom I have believed/" and 
therefore on the west front of the cube those words 
are engraven. On the east front, facing the grave, 
is read (suitably adjusted as an inscription) — " Here 
sleeps the earthly part of William Augustus Muhlen- 
berg, Doctor in Divinity. He was born, Sept. 16th, 
1796, ended his work, April 8th, 1877." On the side 
of the stone northward, the reason of his interment 
in that place is thus expressed: "In Testimony of 
those Evangelical Catholic Principles, to which, as 
the Founder of St. Johnland, he consecrated it." 

Near to him are interred the remains of a num- 
ber of the aged pilgrims whom his love and care suc- 
cored in their declining years, and nigh these again, 
are the little grassy hillocks of several crippled chil- 
dren and others. The graves are designated by simple 




4* n ^MkJ^J^ 






L^ 



1 - "•' 1^?- *^ 







4c . /^f .,/•** .;- v o -", . -..., 






<<^4^X 



X ~\~ 



THE ONE CROSS. 513 

blocks or index stones ; the rule of the cemetery for all, 
of whatever degree, who are privileged to lie there. 
The stone marking the Founder's grave is the sole 
monument, and its surmounting cross the one symbol 
of redemption for all the sleepers there, for them and 
him alike proclaiming: "Whosoever liveth and be- 
lie veth m Me shall never die." 



CHAPTER XXX. 



CONCLUSION. 



Effect upon Community of his Death. — Multitude of Tributes. — Extracts 
from the more important. — The Bishop of Long Island and others. — 
An Ode "In Memoriam." 

"It is but just and natural that when such a man 
dies the whole community should be moved." So a 
clergyman expressed himself in commenting upon Dr. 
Muhlenberg's life and character, shortly after his de- 
cease. The impression made by the event was pro- 
found and widely spread. Sermons, addresses, resolu- 
tions of respect and affection, tributes of all kinds, were 
poured forth both by the secular and the religious 
press, and as well from Christian bodies and individuals, 
exterior to his own communion, as from almost every 
diocese within its border. 

Passages from several of the more important of these 
tributes have, with due acknowledgment, been freely 
used in the course of this work, whether to explain 
some great church movement or to illustrate any par- 
ticular wherein a lower pen could not do equal justice 
to the subject. But there remain one or two others of 
the class, too thoughtfully analytic and eloquently true, 
not to have more than the fugitive existence of their 
first issue, some extracts from which, regarding traits 



COMMON PROPERTY OF THE CHURCH. 515 

and characteristics, not hitherto fully brought out, 
may most appropriately close this inadequate presen- 
tation of our beloved and venerated father in the 
church. 

The following is from the bishop of Long Island 
in his annual address: ". . . . The church at large 
has been called to mourn the loss of one whose saintly 
character and remarkable labors, extending over a 
long life, made him beyond, perhaps, any man of his 
day, whether bishop, priest, deacon, or layman, the 
common property of the church throughout the land. 
His canonical residence was of no moment in making 
up his record, for his real home, his acknowledged 
place, was in the hearts of God's people. . . . He 
was a man of whom any age of the church might have 
been proud. Fame and honor, and with them the no- 
blest form of influence, might have been his, if he had 
only done one of the many great works for which his- 
tory will give him a foremost place among his fellows. 
He was not prominent as a thinker in the purely intel- 
lectual sense. He was not strong in the power that 
grapples with and holds firmly in hand the subtle dis- 
tinctions and abstract issues of metaphysical specula- 
tion. He did not excel as an apologist or a contro- 
versialist. He laid no claim to — nay, shrank from 
being considered an authority in theology regarded 
as a logical or scientific exhibition of the whole counsel 
of God. He, indeed, often said what his life-work so 
gloriously evinced, that his heart had more to do with 
his confession of faith than his head. And yet, though 



516 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

he had no taste or faculty for — nay, rather dreaded the 
dry metallic ring of the higher tasks and exercises of 
disciplined thinkers, he left behind, both in prose and 
verse, thoughts that will breathe and burn in the souls 
of men when not a few of the so-called great minds of 
the day shall have been forgotten. It is astonishing 
that so quiet and gentle a life should have developed 
so many of the qualities and gifts of leadership — lead- 
ership neither claimed by him, nor formally conceded 
to him by others ; but none the less real and effective. 
Scarcely an important movement can be named pecu- 
liar to the last forty or fifty years of our church life, 
and which will be likely to tell upon the next half 
century of that life, that he did not originate or help 

others to originate 

"Such a life tempts us to linger upon the many 
tinted and mellow side lights glancing from it in all 
directions, as well as on the great, visible, focal points 
on which its energies converged. No life has been 
lived among us in this generation that has furnished 
richer materials for a biography of lasting interest to 
the church. It was habitually hidden from public 
sight, and singularly uneventful as the world reckons, 
but its individuality was intense, and its ardor of feel- 
ing and conviction contagious. His highest power 
was not in speech or in the pen — happy as he was in 
the use of both — but in personal contact, in the pecu- 
liar spiritual atmosphere that enveloped him. He met 
the supreme test of true goodness and true greatness, 
for to none was he so good and so great, so pure, so 



GREATER THAN EITHER. 517 

tender, and so loving as to those who knew him best 
and were most with him 

" It is our pride and joy that his honored grave is 
with us on Long Island; made, as was his wish, with 
the poor and lowly, the crippled and the friendless, 
who in all coming years shall sleep in the same spot 
with the beloved Founder of St. Johnland — some day 
to rank amongst the noblest ventures of this, or any 
other age. That sheltered hillside, where rest the 
mortal remains of William A. Muhlenberg, will grow 
dearer and dearer to God's people, as time rolls on; and 
unless we have greatly exaggerated the quality and 
amount of his work for Christ, and all for whom Christ 
died, it will in fifty years, be accepted as one of the 
Christian Meccas of our country ; and certainly of our 
Island." 

m 
The bishop of Central New York says: "With the 

least possible parade, with a force individual and sin- 
gle, with a self-forgetfulness that seemed absolute, he 
has made a place for himself in the priesthood of this 
church, and in the attachment of its members, from 
the highest to the lowest, which was altogether char- 
acteristic; and it is left entirely empty by his removal. 
Without being either a theologian or a statesman, he 
was greater than either, and while apparently wrong- 
in some opinions, comprehended as few men, living or 
dead, have, what the ivovsliip and work of this church 

in America ought to be " 

33 



518 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG, 

A brother presbyter writes: "There were in him 
many striking characteristics, almost every one of 
which would have made him a man of mark. But 
these were so blended and so beautifully harmonious 
in action as to present a singularly complete and sym- 
netrical whole. Like the colors of the rainbow, each 
was distinct in itself, and yet so gently did these feat- 
ures shade off and melt into one another, that it was 
impossible to tell where the one ended and the other 

began It was impossible for such a nature 

to move in straight lines, or express itself according 
to any established rules. His logic was the logic of 
deeds, rather than of words. He had a wonderful 
fancy, and it was wonderfully active. This it was 
which gave to his Words and ways such an intense 
interest, and made his wit so ready, and at times so 
amusing, and yet so real and so true. Often % by a 
single sally of this trenchant weapon, he would ex- 
pose and annihilate some pretentious folly, or admin- 
ister a rebuke never to be forgotten. But his fancy, 
like the heat-lightning of a summer's evening, play- 
ing along the horizon, lit up and beautified every thing 
it touched. These elements spread an indescribable 
charm over all his life, and made his presence and 
companionship a continued delight and benediction. 
Added to these was a comprehensiveness which in- 
cluded all that was valuable — a discrimination which 
properly assorted and distributed whatever was to be 
used — and a strong practical sense which controlled 
and guided every thing to the accomplishment of ob- 



NO PRIDE OF OPINION. 519 

jects and ends proposed. Dr. Muhlenberg was a man 
of strong, almost resistless, will — but he was never 
self-willed. He was also a man of\ positive and clearly 
defined opinions, but never opinionated. He was open 
to convictions, ready to receive suggestions from any 
and all sources, and as ready to modify, or change 
his plans and opinions for any which might be wiser 
and better. There was none of that foolish pride of 
opinion which so often disfigures otherwise great men. 
While he was a teacher, he was also a learner. He 
never did any thing so well but that it might be im- 
proved. He abhorred the idea of stereotyping rules 
of feeling, or thinking, or acting. And he had but 
little respect for those whose mind could only move 
in ruts and grooves, and do things in a particular 
way He rather despised that kind of con- 
sistency which can not tolerate change, even for the 
sake of improvement He knew God, per- 
haps, better than most men. But it was not in him 
to trouble himself much about metaphysical terms and 
distinctions, nor was it possible for him to belong ex- 
clusively to any particular school of thought or of 
polity. He was so thoroughly catholic that he was 
ever ready to receive any thing good from all schools. 
While he was a churchman and deeply loved the wor- 
ship and ways of his own church, he never failed to 
recognize as brethren beloved, all the followers of the 
Lord Jesus Christ, wherever found. He cordially dis- 
liked all narrowness, and bigotry, and exclusiveness, 
as hostile to the spirit of Christianity, and inconsist- 



520 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

ent with the brotherhood of believers. His love and 
service in the cause of Christ, and of suffering hu- 
manity, were not restricted by any ecclesiastical lines, 
but went out to all, and ministered to all as there 
was ability or opportunity. He was eminently the 
common property of a common Christianity, and his 
life and character are an illustrious example of its 
spirit and of its power. One such life does more to 
disarm infidelity, and to commend the Gospel of Christ, 
than all the arguments which can be made, or all the 
controversies which may be waged. It stands forth 
like the sermon on the mount — the embodiment and 
illustration of God's law and God's truth to man. In 
its spirit and beauty, it is a psalm of perpetual praise 
and thanksgiving. We bless God for it. We bless 
God that this great community has, through so many 
years, been permitted to see and study it. Xo words 
of ours can express the benefits and blessings of such 
a life. The living example has passed away, and we 
shall see it no more forever. But its silent influence 
remains, and will continue to inspire and shape hu- 
man sympathies and human energies from generation 
to generation, even unto the end * - 

"The best monument to the memory of Dr. Muhlen- 
berg," said another, "is not any one institution . . . 

but the influence of his life and example 

throughout this community, in the interest of Christian 

* Eev. Dr. Heman Dyer, in Parish Visitor. 



HIS BEST MONUMENT. 521 

charity. He was himself a prince in the kingdom of 
heaven, according to the measurement of rank given 
by our Lord. Not a great man was he as the world 
estimates greatness, by degrees of wealth, office, power 
and authority, but his greatness was in self-subjection 
for the good of others, in practical usefulness. How 
many has he initiated into the sweet charities which 
he himself exemplified. How many have been taught 
by him to find their pleasure and luxury, in giving 
for worthy objects. How many rich men and women 
in this city, whose confidence he had won by his man- 
ner of life, have been persuaded to bestow on public 
charities the money which would otherwise have been 
squandered on display and self-indulgence. How 
many currents not of mere impulsive instincts, but of 
educated Christian principle, have been started by 
him; which will continue to 1 flow wider and deeper 
long after every edifice associated with his name shall 
have fallen into ruins. It is his rare but true eulogy, 
pronounced by many, that there is, and ever will be, 
more of Christian charity in the world, because Dr. 
Muhlenberg has lived in it as he did. This is a monu- 
ment to his memory which is imperishable."* 

Some extended quotations have been made in the 
body of this work from an address delivered by Dr. 
Harwood before an association of clergymen, of which 
at the time of his death, Dr. Muhlenberg was the senior 

* Rev. Dr. William Adams, in New York Observer. 



522 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

member. A further passage from this, and the con- 
clusion of a poem spoken on the same occasion by the 
Rev. Dr. George D. Wildes, will complete the design 
of these extracts. 

" . . . . His fellow Christians of every name were 
dear to him: with his liturgical genius he was not- 
afraid of free prayer, nor did he ever tremble for the 
safety of the ark of God. Clearly he was possessed of 
a strong common sense, which was inspired by the fire 
of a poetic temperament. He used frequently to say 
that all his thoughts were embodied in concrete forms, 
and that he could not frame abstract propositions. This 
was entirely true. His thinking is in the institutions 
and the charities he organized. You see from them 
and in them, the dominating traits of his faith and 
religious life. His faith was not a theological formula, 
but a living conviction and power. It was a free, joy- 
ous allegiance to Jesus Christ. The incarnation of the 
Word of God in Jesus was the central idea of his the- 
ology and the inspiration of his Christian life. It was 
brotherhood in Christ — brotherhood through Christ — 
that he aimed to exemplify. Upon this account his 
religious sympathies overleaped the barriers of his own 
communion, and upon this same account he toiled for 
those who needed assistance. This made him the con- 
soler of the wretched and the counsellor of the rich. It 
gave to him a blessed standing ground, and he remem- 
bered day and night that the Lord Jesus became poor in 
order that we through His poverty might be rich. . . . 
People in distress, sought his counsel and strong men 



"SILVER AND GOLD HAVE I NONE." 523 

went to him for advice. He was honored with the 
affectionate veneration of thousands throughout the 
land, and Xew York, which bows down to wealth, 
was proud of this eminent citizen, who could but say 
with the Apostle Peter: 'Silver and gold have I none: 
but such as I have, give I unto thee.' 

"This Club has special reason for offering its homage 
to the great presbyter who sleeps now in the sweet se- 
clusion of his beloved St. Johnland. He took the live- 
liest interest in every project and work that -we have 
thought and wrought. He stands before us in the ful- 
ness of his living, charitable, eager religion, striving to 
embody his idea in concrete work and not in intellect- 
ual forms. He hailed in us fellow-workers, and we 
beheld in him the wise master-builder who sought to 
make men one in the fellowship of a simple faith. . . ." 



'Man among men; the kind courageous heart 
Chivalric, true, to aid the weaker part, 
Free in the liberty 
Of Christ's own tree, 

' His the rare martyr soul ; for truth and right 
The pleader and the worker; in the might 
Of Christ's great might to stand 
At his command. 

; 'Not the gray annals of an elder time.. 
Of joyful service and of faith sublime, 
In rubricated name 
Tell worthier fame. 



524 WILLIAM AUGUSTUS MUHLENBERG. 

"Fourscore and one ! yet not the good old age 
Measured by years alone; if these were all, 
Unmeaning life, and vain the sacred page, 
The patriarch's record: then 'twere wise to install 
For all it grants, long life as sovereign good; 
To account the hours for God and duty given,. 
Servants of greed, and passion's fitful mood 
The all in all, and verity of heaven ! 
Not thine, dear saint ! thou of the head encrowned 
With glory in the ways of righteousness— 
Thus to thyself to live; but toilful, found 
Blessing and blest where'er thy Lord would blesa 
Not to 'live alway,' this thy song and prayer; 
To live to Christ, thy life's supre'mest care." 



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